Single-chain chimeric polypeptides and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are single-chain chimeric polypeptides that include: (i) a first target-binding domain; (ii) a soluble tissue factor domain; and (iii) a second target-binding domain. Also provided here are methods of using these single-chain chimeric polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding these single-chain chimeric polypeptides.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to: U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/725,038, filed Aug. 30, 2018, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/817,244, filed Mar. 12, 2019; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/746,832, filed Oct. 17, 2018; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/749,506, filed Oct. 23, 2018; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/817,241, filed Mar. 12, 2019; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/816,683, filed Mar. 11, 2019; and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/881,039, filed Jul. 31, 2019; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of biotechnology, and more specifically, to antigen-binding molecules.

BACKGROUND

Tissue factor (TF), a 263 amino acid integral membrane glycoprotein with a molecular weight of ˜46 kDa and the trigger protein of the extrinsic blood coagulation pathway, is the primary initiator of coagulation in vivo. Tissue factor, normally not in contact with circulating blood, initiates the coagulation cascade upon exposure to the circulating coagulation serine protease factors. Vascular damage exposes sub-endothelial cells expressing tissue factor, resulting in the formation of a calcium-dependent, high-affinity complex with pre-existing plasma factor VIIa (FVIIa). Binding of the serine protease FVIIa to tissue factor promotes rapid cleavage of FX to FXa and FIX to FIXa. The proteolytic activity of the resulting FXa and an active membrane surface then inefficiently converts a small amount of prothrombin to thrombin. The thrombin generated by FXa initiates platelet activation and activates minute amounts of the pro-cofactors factor V (FV) and factor VIII (FVIII) to become active cofactors, factor Va (FVa) and factor VIIIa (FVIIIa). FIXa complexes with FVIIIa on the platelet surface forming the intrinsic tenase complex, which results in rapid generation of FXa. FXa complexes with FVa to form the pro-thrombinase complex on the activated platelet surface which results in rapid cleavage of prothrombin to thrombin.

In addition to the tissue factor-FVIIa complex, a recent study showed that the tissue factor-FVIIa-FXa complex can activate FVIII, which would provide additional levels of FVIIIa during the initiation phase. The extrinsic pathway is paramount in initiating coagulation via the activation of limited amounts of thrombin, whereas the intrinsic pathway maintains coagulation by dramatic amplification of the initial signal.

Much of the tissue factor expressed on a cell surface is “encrypted,” which must be “decrypted” for full participation in coagulation. The mechanism of “decryption” of cell-surface tissue factor is still unclear at this time, however, exposure of anionic phospholipids plays a major role in this process. Healthy cells actively sequester anionic phospholipids such as phosphatidyl serine (PS) to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Following cellular damage, activation, or increased levels of cytosolic Ca²⁺, this bilayer asymmetry is lost, resulting in increased PS exposure on the outer leaflet, which increases the specific activity of cell-surface tissue factor-FVIIa complexes. PS exposure is known to decrease the apparent Km for activation of FIX and FX by tissue factor-FVIIa complexes, but additional mechanisms could include conformational rearrangement of tissue factor or tissue factor-FVIIa and subsequent exposure of substrate binding sites.

SUMMARY

The present invention is based on the discovery that soluble tissue factor can be used as a scaffold for chimeric polypeptides including an antigen-binding domain. Based on this discovery provided herein are single-chain chimeric polypeptides that include: (i) a first target-binding domain; (ii) a soluble tissue factor domain; and (iii) a second target-binding domain. Also provided herein are compositions that include any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, nucleic acids that encode any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, and cells that include any of the nucleic acids that encode any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein. Also provided herein are methods of stimulating an immune cell and methods of treating a subject in need thereof that include the use of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein. Also provided herein are methods of producing any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein. Additional uses of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides are described herein.

Accordingly, provided herein is a single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprising:

(i) a first target-binding domain;

(ii) a soluble tissue factor domain; and

(iii) a second target-binding domain. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain directly abut each other. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain directly abut each other. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain directly abut each other. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain. In some embodiments, the second target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain directly abut each other. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the second target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to the same antigen. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to the same epitope. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain comprise the same amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to different antigens. In some embodiments, one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is an antigen-binding domain. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain are each an antigen-binding domain. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain comprises a scFv or a single domain antibody. In some embodiments, one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind to a target selected from the group consisting of: CD16a, CD28, CD3, CD33, CD20, CD19, CD22, CD123, IL-1R, IL-1, VEGF, IL-6R, IL-4, IL-10, PDL-1, TIGIT, PD-1, TIM3, CTLA4, MICA, MICB, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CD26a, CD36, ULBP2, CD30, CD200, IGF-1R, MUC4AC, MUC5AC, Trop-2, CMET, EGFR, HER1, HER2, HER3, PSMA, CEA, B7H3, EPCAM, BCMA, P-cadherin, CEACAM5, a UL16-binding protein, HLA-DR, DLL4, TYR03, AXL, MER, CD122, CD155, PDGF-DD, a ligand of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a ligand of TGF-βRIII, a ligand of DNAM-1, a ligand of NKp46, a ligand of NKp44, a ligand of NKG2D, a ligand of NKp30, a ligand for a scMHCI, a ligand for a scMHCII, a ligand for a scTCR, a receptor for IL-1, a receptor for IL-2, a receptor for IL-3, a receptor for IL-7, a receptor for IL-8, a receptor for IL-10, a receptor for IL-12, a receptor for IL-15, a receptor for IL-17, a receptor for IL-18, a receptor for IL-21, a receptor for PDGF-DD, a receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), a receptor for stem cell-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), a receptor for MICA, a receptor for MICB, a receptor for a ULP16-binding protein, a receptor for CD155, a receptor for CD122, and a receptor for CD28. In some embodiments, one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble interleukin, a soluble cytokine protein, or a soluble cell surface protein. In some embodiments, the soluble interleukin, soluble cytokine protein, or soluble cell surface protein is selected from the group consisting of: IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21, PDGF-DD, SCF, FLT3L, MICA, MICB, and a ULP16-binding protein. In some embodiments, one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble interleukin receptor, a soluble cytokine receptor, or a soluble cell surface receptor. In some embodiments, the soluble interleukin receptor, soluble cytokine receptor, or soluble cell surface receptor is a soluble TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a soluble TGF-βRIII, a soluble NKG2D, a soluble NKp30, a soluble NKp44, a soluble NKp46, a soluble DNAM-1, a scMHCI, a scMHCII, a scTCR, a soluble CD155, or a soluble CD28. In some embodiments, the soluble tissue factor domain is a soluble human tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide of the soluble human tissue factor domain does not comprise one or more of: a lysine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 20 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; an isoleucine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 22 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; a tryptophan at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 45 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; an aspartic acid at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 58 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; a tyrosine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 94 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; an arginine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 135 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; and a phenylalanine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 140 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain does not comprise any of: a lysine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 20 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; an isoleucine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 22 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; a tryptophan at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 45 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; an aspartic acid at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 58 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; a tyrosine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 94 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; an arginine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 135 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; and a phenylalanine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 140 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein. In some embodiments, the soluble tissue factor domain is not capable of binding Factor VIIa. In some embodiments, the soluble tissue factor domain does not convert inactive Factor X into Factor Xa. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide does not stimulate blood coagulation in a mammal. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises one or more additional target-binding domains at its N- and/or C-terminus. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprises one or more additional target-binding domains at its N-terminus. In some embodiments, one or more additional target-binding domains directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the at least one additional target-binding domains and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprises one or more additional target-binding domains at its C-terminus. In some embodiments, one of the one or more additional target-binding domains directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the at least one additional target-binding domains and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprises one or more additional target binding domains at its N-terminus and the C-terminus. In some embodiments, one of the one or more additional antigen binding domains at the N-terminus directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the one or more additional antigen-binding domains at the N-terminus and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, one of the one or more additional antigen binding domains at the C-terminus directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the one or more additional antigen-binding domains at the C-terminus and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, two or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains bind specifically to the same antigen. In some embodiments, two or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains bind specifically to the same epitope. In some embodiments, two or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains comprise the same amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains each bind specifically to the same antigen. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains each bind specifically to the same epitope. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains each comprise the same amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains bind specifically to different antigens. In some embodiments, one or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more target-binding domains is an antigen-binding domain. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains are each an antigen-binding domain. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain comprises a scFv or a single domain antibody. In some embodiments, one or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more target-binding domains bind specifically to a target selected from the group consisting of: CD16a, CD28, CD3, CD33, CD20, CD19, CD22, CD123, IL-1R, IL-1, VEGF, IL-6R, IL-4, IL-10, PDL-1, TIGIT, PD-1, TIM3, CTLA4, MICA, MICB, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CD26a, CD36, ULBP2, CD30, CD200, IGF-1R, MUC4AC, MUC5AC, Trop-2, CMET, EGFR, HER1, HER2, HER3, PSMA, CEA, B7H3, EPCAM, BCMA, P-cadherin, CEACAM5, a UL16-binding protein, HLA-DR, DLL4, TYR03, AXL, MER, CD122, CD155, PDGF-DD, a ligand of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a ligand of TGF-βRIII, a ligand of DNAM-1, a ligand of NKp46, a ligand of NKp44, a ligand of NKG2D, a ligand of NKp30, a ligand for a scMHCI, a ligand for a scMHCII, a ligand for a scTCR, a receptor for IL-1, a receptor for IL-2, a receptor for IL-3, a receptor for IL-7, a receptor for IL-8, a receptor for IL-10, a receptor for IL-12, a receptor for IL-15, a receptor for IL-17, a receptor for IL-18, a receptor for IL-21, a receptor for PDGF-D, a receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), a receptor for stem cell-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), a receptor for MICA, a receptor for MICB, a receptor for a ULP16-binding protein, a receptor for CD155, a receptor for CD122, and a receptor for CD28. In some embodiments, one or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains is a soluble interleukin or cytokine protein. In some embodiments, the soluble interleukin or cytokine protein is selected from the group consisting of: IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21, PDGF-DD, SCF, FLT3L, MICA, MICB, and a ULP16-binding protein. In some embodiments, one or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains is a soluble interleukin or cytokine receptor. In some embodiments, the soluble receptor is a soluble TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a soluble TGF-βRIII, a soluble NKG2D, a soluble NKp30, a soluble NKp44, a soluble NKp46, a soluble DNAM-1, a scMHCI, a scMHCII, a scTCR, a soluble CD155, a soluble CD122, a soluble CD3, or a soluble CD28. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a signal sequence at its N-terminal end. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a peptide tag positioned at the N-terminal end or the C-terminal end of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

Also provided herein is a composition comprising any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides discussed above. In some embodiments, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptides comprise at least one dose of the composition within a kit.

Also provided herein is a method of stimulating an immune cell, the method comprising: contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides or compositions discussed above. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the immune in vitro. In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining the immune cell from a subject. In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the immune cell in vivo. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of: an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a memory T cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8⁺ T cell, a CD4⁺ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, and a natural killer cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell has previously been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises introducing into the immune cell a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor after the contacting step. In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering the immune cell to a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying or diagnosing the subject as having an age-related disease or condition. In some embodiments, the age-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying or diagnosing the subject as having a cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In some embodiments, the method comprises diagnosing or identifying the subject as having an infectious disease. In some embodiments, the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Also provided herein is a method of inducing or increasing proliferation of an immune cell, the method comprising: contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides or compositions discussed herein. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the immune cell in vitro. In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining the immune cell from a subject. In some embodiments, method further comprises obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the immune cell in vivo. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of: an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a memory T cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8⁺ T cell, a CD4⁺ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, and a natural killer cell. In some embodiments, the immune cell has previously been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering the immune cell to a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying or diagnosing the subject as having an age-related disease or condition. In some embodiments, the age-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying or diagnosing the subject as having a cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In some embodiments, the method comprises diagnosing or identifying the subject as having an infectious disease. In some embodiments, the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Also provided herein is a method of inducing differentiation of an immune cell into a memory or memory-like immune cell, the method comprising: contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides or compositions discussed above. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the immune cell in vitro. In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining the immune cell from a subject. In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the immune cell in vivo. In some embodiments, the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of: an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8+ T cell, a CD4+ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, and a natural killer cell. In some embodiments, the method comprises genetically modifying the immune cell to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises introducing into the immune cell a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor after the contacting step. In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering the immune cell to a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying or diagnosing the subject as having an age-related disease or condition. In some embodiments, the age-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying or diagnosing the subject as having a cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In some embodiments, the method comprises diagnosing or identifying the subject as having an infectious disease. In some embodiments, the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Also provided herein is a method of killing a cancer cell, an infected cell, or a senescent cell in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides or compositions discussed above. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying or diagnosing the subject as having a cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In some embodiments, the method identifying or diagnosing the subject as having an aging-related disease or condition. In some embodiments, the aging-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Also provided herein is a method of treating a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides or compositions discussed above. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying or diagnosing the subject as having a cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying or diagnosing the subject as having an aging-related disease or condition. In some embodiments, the aging-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction. In some embodiments, the method comprises diagnosing or identifying the subject as having an infectious disease. In some embodiments, the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Also provided herein are nucleic acids encoding any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides discussed above. Some embodiments include a vector comprising the nucleic acid discussed above. In some embodiments, the vector is an expression vector. Some embodiments include a cell comprising the nucleic acid or the vector discussed above.

Also provided herein is a method of producing a single-chain chimeric polypeptide, the method comprising: culturing the cell in a culture medium under conditions sufficient to result in the production of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide; and recovering the single-chain chimeric polypeptide from the cell and/or the culture medium. Some embodiments comprise single-chain chimeric polypeptide produced by the discussed above. In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides provided herein, the human soluble tissue factor domain does not initiate blood coagulation. In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides provided herein, the soluble tissue factor domain comprises or consists of a soluble wildtype human tissue factor.

In some embodiments, the mutant soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97. In some embodiments, the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97.

As used herein, the term “chimeric” refers to a polypeptide that includes amino acid sequences (e.g., domains) originally derived from two different sources (e.g., two different naturally-occurring proteins, e.g., from the same or different species). For example, a chimeric polypeptide can include domains from at least two different naturally occurring human proteins. In some examples, a chimeric polypeptide can include a domain that is a synthetic sequence (e.g., a scFv) and a domain that is derived from a naturally-occurring protein (e.g., a naturally-occurring human protein). In some embodiments, a chimeric polypeptide can include at least two different domains that are synthetic sequences (e.g., two different scFvs).

An “antigen-binding domain” is one or more protein domain(s) (e.g., formed from amino acids from a single polypeptide or formed from amino acids from two or more polypeptides (e.g., the same or different polypeptides) that is capable of specifically binding to one or more different antigen(s). In some examples, an antigen-binding domain can bind to an antigen or epitope with specificity and affinity similar to that of naturally-occurring antibodies. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain can be an antibody or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, an antigen-binding domain can include an alternative scaffold. Non-limiting examples of antigen-binding domains are described herein. Additional examples of antigen-binding domains are known in the art.

A “soluble tissue factor domain” refers to a polypeptide having at least 70% identity (e.g., at least 75% identity, at least 80% identity, at least 85% identity, at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity, at least 99% identity, or 100% identical) to a segment of a wildtype mammalian tissue factor protein (e.g., a wildtype human tissue factor protein) that lacks the transmembrane domain and the intracellular domain. Non-limiting examples of soluble tissue factor domains are described herein.

The term “soluble interleukin protein” is used herein to refer to a mature and secreted interleukin protein or a biologically active fragment thereof. In some examples, a soluble interleukin protein can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical, at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical to a wildtype mature and secreted mammalian interleukin protein (e.g., a wildtype human interleukin protein) and retains its biological activity. Non-limiting examples of soluble interleukin proteins are described herein.

The term “soluble cytokine protein” is used herein to refer to a mature and secreted cytokine protein or a biologically active fragment thereof. In some examples, a soluble cytokine protein can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical, at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical to a wildtype mature and secreted mammalian interleukin protein (e.g., a wildtype human interleukin protein) and retains its biological activity. Non-limiting examples of soluble cytokine proteins are described herein.

The term “soluble interleukin receptor” is used herein in the broadest sense to refer to a polypeptide that lacks a transmembrane domain (and optionally an intracellular domain) that is capable of binding one or more of its natural ligands (e.g., under physiological conditions, e.g., in phosphate buffered saline at room temperature). For example, a soluble interleukin receptor can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to an extracellular domain of wildtype interleukin receptor and retains its ability to specifically bind to one or more of its natural ligands, but lacks its transmembrane domain (and optionally, further lacks its intracellular domain). Non-limiting examples of soluble interleukin receptors are described herein.

The term “soluble cytokine receptor” is used herein in the broadest sense to refer to a polypeptide that lacks a transmembrane domain (and optionally an intracellular domain) that is capable of binding one or more of its natural ligands (e.g., under physiological conditions, e.g., in phosphate buffered saline at room temperature). For example, a soluble cytokine receptor can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to an extracellular domain of wildtype cytokine receptor and retains its ability to specifically bind to one or more of its natural ligands, but lacks its transmembrane domain (and optionally, further lacks its intracellular domain). Non-limiting examples of soluble cytokine receptors are described herein.

The term “antibody” is used herein in its broadest sense and includes certain types of immunoglobulin molecules that include one or more antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to an antigen or epitope. An antibody specifically includes, e.g., intact antibodies (e.g., intact immunoglobulins), antibody fragments, and multi-specific antibodies. One example of an antigen-binding domain is an antigen-binding domain formed by a VH-VL dimer. Additional examples of an antibody are described herein. Additional examples of an antibody are known in the art.

“Affinity” refers to the strength of the sum total of non-covalent interactions between an antigen-binding site and its binding partner (e.g., an antigen or epitope). Unless indicated otherwise, as used herein, “affinity” refers to intrinsic binding affinity, which reflects a 1:1 interaction between members of an antigen-binding domain and an antigen or epitope. The affinity of a molecule X for its partner Y can be represented by the dissociation equilibrium constant (K_(D)). The kinetic components that contribute to the dissociation equilibrium constant are described in more detail below. Affinity can be measured by common methods known in the art, including those described herein. Affinity can be determined, for example, using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology (e.g., BIACORE®) or biolayer interferometry (e.g., FORTEBIO®). Additional methods for determining the affinity for an antigen-binding domain and its corresponding antigen or epitope are known in the art.

A “single-chain polypeptide” as used herein to refers to a single protein chain.

The term “pair of affinity domains” is two different protein domain(s) that bind specifically to each other with a K_(D) of less than of less than 1×10⁻⁷ M (e.g., less than 1×10⁻⁸ M, less than 1×10⁻⁹ M, less than 1×10⁻¹⁰ M, or less than 1×10⁻¹¹ M). In some examples, a pair of affinity domains can be a pair of naturally-occurring proteins. In some embodiments, a pair of affinity domains can be a pair of synthetic proteins. Non-limiting examples of pairs of affinity domains are described herein.

The term “epitope” means a portion of an antigen that specifically binds to an antigen-binding domain. Epitopes can, e.g., consist of surface-accessible amino acid residues and/or sugar side chains and may have specific three-dimensional structural characteristics, as well as specific charge characteristics. Conformational and non-conformational epitopes are distinguished in that the binding to the former but not the latter may be lost in the presence of denaturing solvents. An epitope may comprise amino acid residues that are directly involved in the binding, and other amino acid residues, which are not directly involved in the binding. Methods for identifying an epitope to which an antigen-binding domain binds are known in the art.

An “immune effector cell” refers to a cell of the immune system of a mammal that is capable, directly or indirectly, of recognizing and/or causing cytostasis or cell death of a pathogenic cell (e.g., a cancer cell) in the mammal. Non-limiting examples of immune effector cells include macrophages, T-lymphocytes (e.g., cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and T-helper cells), natural killer cells, neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Additional examples of immune effector cells are known in the art.

The term “treatment” means to ameliorate at least one symptom of a disorder. In some examples, the disorder being treated is cancer and to ameliorate at least one symptom of cancer includes reducing aberrant proliferation, gene expression, signaling, translation, and/or secretion of factors. Generally, the methods of treatment include administering a therapeutically effective amount of composition that reduces at least one symptom of a disorder to a subject who is in need of, or who has been determined to be in need of such treatment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Methods and materials are described herein for use in the present invention; other, suitable methods and materials known in the art can also be used. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents, sequences, database entries, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and figures, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 are schematic diagrams of an exemplary αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

FIG. 2 is a chromatograph showing the elution of an exemplary αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide from an anti-tissue factor antibody affinity column.

FIG. 3 is a chromatograph showing the elution of a Superdex 200 Increase 10/300 GL gel filtration column loaded with an exemplary αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

FIG. 4 is a sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (4-12% NuPage Bis-Tris gel) of an exemplary αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide purified using an anti-tissue factor antibody affinity column.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the ELISA quantitation of an exemplary αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide performed using the methods described in Example 1. Purified tissue factor was used as the control.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the ability of an exemplary αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide to stimulate CD25 expression in CD4⁺ T-cells isolated from blood from two donors. The experiments were performed as described in Example 2.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the ability of an exemplary αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide to stimulate CD25 expression in CD8⁺ T-cells isolated from blood from two donors. The experiments were performed as described in Example 2.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the ability of an exemplary αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide to stimulate CD69 expression in CD4⁺ T-cells isolated from blood from two donors. The experiments were performed as described in Example 2.

FIG. 9 are schematic diagrams of an exemplary IL-2/TF/IL-2 single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

FIG. 10 shows IL-2 activity in IL-2/TF/IL-2 as compared to recombinant IL-2 using a 32Dβ cell proliferation assay.

FIG. 11 shows IL-2 activity in IL-2/TF/IL-2 as compared to recombinant IL-2 using a CTLL-2 cell proliferation assay.

FIG. 12 shows the fasting blood glucose levels in ApoE^(−/−) mice fed with standard chow or a high fat diet and treated with a PBS control (untreated) or with IL-2/TF/IL-2.

FIG. 13 shows the ratio of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ T regulatory cells in blood lymphocytes from ApoE−/− mice fed with standard chow or a high fat diet and treated with a PBS control (untreated) or with IL-2/TF/IL-2.

FIG. 14 is a line graph showing the chromatographic profile of IL-2/TF/IL-2 protein containing cell culture supernatant following binding and elution on anti-TF antibody resin.

FIG. 15 shows an analytical SEC profile of IL-2/TF/IL-2.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show reduced SDS-PAGE analysis of IL-2/TF/IL-2 before and after deglycosylation. FIG. 16A shows reduced SDS-PAGE analysis of IL-2/TF/IL-2 before deglycosylation. FIG. 16B shows reduced SDS-PAGE analysis of IL-2/TF/IL-2 after deglycosylation.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show results of immunostimulation in C57BL/6 mice using IL-2/TF/IL-2. FIG. 17A shows spleen weight following treatment with IL-2/TF/IL-2.

FIG. 17B shows the percentages of immune cell types following IL-2/TF/IL-2 treatment.

FIG. 18 shows upregulation of CD25 expression of CD4⁺ T cells in mice treated with IL-2/TF/IL-2.

FIG. 19 shows the pharmacokinetics of IL-2/TF/IL-2 in C57BL/6 mice.

FIGS. 20A and 20B show effects of IL-2/TF/IL-2 in attenuating the formation of high fat-induced atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE^(−/−) mice. FIG. 20A shows a representative view of atherosclerotic plaques from ApoE^(−/−) mice fed with standard chow or a high fat diet and treated with either PBS control or IL-2/TF/IL-2. FIG. 20B shows the results of quantitative analysis of atherosclerotic plaques of each group.

FIG. 21 shows fasting glucose levels in IL-2/TF/IL-2 treated-mice as compared to control-treated mice.

FIG. 22 shows the percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ Tregs in blood lymphocytes from mice treated with IL-2/TF/IL-2 and control-treated mice.

FIG. 23 are schematic diagrams of an exemplary IL-15/TF/IL-15 single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

FIG. 24 shows the IL-15 activity of IL-15/TF/IL-15 as compared to recombinant IL-15 in a 32Dβ cell proliferation assay.

FIG. 25 is a line graph showing the chromatographic profile of IL-15/TF/IL-15 protein containing cell culture supernatant following binding and elution on anti-TF antibody resin.

FIGS. 26A and 26B show reduced SDS-PAGE analysis of IL-15/TF/IL-15 before and after deglycosylation. FIG. 26A shows reduced SDS-PAGE analysis of IL-15/TF/IL-15 before deglycosylation. FIG. 26B shows reduced SDS-PAGE analysis of IL-15/TF/IL-15 after deglycosylation.

FIGS. 27A-27C is a set of graphs showing immunostimulation in C57BL/6 mice following treatment with 2t2.

FIGS. 28A-28C is a set of graphs showing in vivo stimulation of Tregs, NK cells, and CD8⁺ T cells in ApoE^(−/−) mice fed with a Western diet and treated with 2t2.

FIGS. 29A and 29B is a set of graphs showing induction of splenocyte proliferation by 2t2 in C57BL/6 mice.

FIGS. 30A and 30B is a set of graphs showing in vivo induction of proliferation of NK cells and CD8⁺ T cells in ApoE^(−/−) mice fed with a Western diet and treated with 2t2.

FIGS. 31A-31C is a set of graphs showing amelioration of the Western diet-induced hyperglycemia in ApoE^(−/−) mice by 2t2.

FIG. 32 shows upregulation of CD44 memory T cells upon treatment with 2t2.

FIG. 33 shows a graph of Factor X (FX) activation following treatment with single-chain or multi-chain chimeric polypeptides.

FIG. 34A-34C show human blood lymphocyte pStat5a responses in CD4⁺CD25^(hi)T_(reg) cells, CD4⁺CD25⁻ T_(con) cells, or in CD8⁺ T_(con) cells in response to 2t2 or IL2 treatment. FIG. 34A shows pSTAT5 responses in CD4⁺CD25^(hi)T_(reg) cells. FIG. 34B shows pSTAT5 responses in CD4⁺CD25⁻ T_(con) cells. FIG. 34C shows pSTAT5 responses in CD8⁺ T_(con) cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are single-chain chimeric polypeptides that include: (i) a first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), (ii) a soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein or known in the art), and (iii) as second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the target-binding domains described herein or known in the art).

Also provided herein are compositions that include any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, nucleic acids that encode any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, and cells that include any of the nucleic acids that encode any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein. Also provided herein are methods of stimulating an immune cell and methods of treating a subject in need thereof that include the use of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein. Also provided herein are methods of producing any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein.

In some examples of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide can have a total length of about 50 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 340 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 320 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 340 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 320 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 340 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 320 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 340 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 320 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 340 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 320 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 340 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 320 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 340 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 320 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 340 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 320 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 340 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 320 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 320 amino acids to about 340 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 340 amino acids to about 360 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 360 amino acids to about 380 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 380 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 420 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 420 amino acids to about 440 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 440 amino acids to about 460 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 460 amino acids to about 480 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 480 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 850 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 850 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 850 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 850 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 850 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 850 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 850 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 900 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 900 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 900 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 900 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 900 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 900 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 950 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 950 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 950 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 950 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 950 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 1000 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 1000 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 1000 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 1000 amino acids to about 1500 amino acids, about 1500 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 1500 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, about 1500 amino acids to about 2000 amino acids, about 2000 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids, about 2000 amino acids to about 2500 amino acids, or about 2500 amino acids to about 3000 amino acids. Diagrams of an exemplary single-chain chimeric polypeptide provided herein are depicted in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) and the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein) directly abut each other. In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) and the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein). In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein) and the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) directly abut each other. In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein) and the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art).

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) and the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) directly abut each other. In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) and the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art). In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) and the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein) directly abut each other. In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) and the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein or known in the art).

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 1) QIVLTQSPAIMSASPGEKVTMTCSASSSVSYMNWYQQKSGTSPKRWIYD TSKLASGVPAHFRGSGSGTSYSLTISGMEAEDAATYYCQQWSSNPFTFG SGTKLEINRGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSQVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKMSCKAS GYTFTRYTMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGYINPSRGYTNYNQKFKDKATLTTDK SSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAVYYCARYYDDHYCLDYWGQGTTLTVSSSGTT NTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFYTT DTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTP YLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDL IYTLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNR KSTDSPVECMGQEKGEFREVQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTS YVIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIGSINPYNDYTKYNEKFKGKATLTSDKSSITAY MEFSSLTSEDSALYYCARWGDGNYWGRGTTLTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGG SDIEMTQSPAIMSASLGERVTMTCTASSSVSSSYFHWYQQKPGSSPKLC IYSTSNLASGVPPRFSGSGSTSYSLTISSMEAEDAATYFCHQYHRSPTF GGGTKLETKR.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid that includes a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 2) CAGATCGTGCTGACCCAAAGCCCCGCCATCATGAGCGCTAGCCCCGGTG AGAAGGTGACCATGACATGCTCCGCTTCCAGCTCCGTGTCCTACATGAA CTGGTATCAGCAGAAAAGCGGAACCAGCCCCAAAAGGTGGATCTACGAC ACCAGCAAGCTGGCCTCCGGAGTGCCCGCTCATTTCCGGGGCTCTGGAT CCGGCACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATTTCCGGCATGGAAGCTGAAGACGC TGCCACCTACTATTGCCAGCAATGGAGCAGCAACCCCTTCACATTCGGA TCTGGCACCAAGCTCGAAATCAATCGTGGAGGAGGTGGCAGCGGCGGCG GTGGATCCGGCGGAGGAGGAAGCCAAGTTCAACTCCAGCAGAGCGGCGC TGAACTGGCCCGGCCCGGCGCCTCCGTCAAGATGAGCTGCAAGGCTTCC GGCTATACATTTACTCGTTACACAATGCATTGGGTCAAGCAGAGGCCCG GTCAAGGTTTAGAGTGGATCGGATATATCAACCCTTCCCGGGGCTACAC CAACTATAACCAAAAGTTCAAGGATAAAGCCACTTTAACCACTGACAAG AGCTCCTCCACCGCCTACATGCAGCTGTCCTCTTTAACCAGCGAGGACT CCGCTGTTTACTACTGCGCTAGGTATTACGACGACCACTACTGTTTAGA CTATTGGGGACAAGGTACCACTTTAACCGTCAGCAGCTCCGGCACCACC AATACCGTGGCCGCTTATAACCTCACATGGAAGAGCACCAACTTCAAGA CAATTCTGGAATGGGAACCCAAGCCCGTCAATCAAGTTTACACCGTGCA GATCTCCACCAAATCCGGAGACTGGAAGAGCAAGTGCTTCTACACAACA GACACCGAGTGTGATTTAACCGACGAAATCGTCAAGGACGTCAAGCAAA CCTATCTGGCTCGGGTCTTTTCCTACCCCGCTGGCAATGTCGAGTCCAC CGGCTCCGCTGGCGAGCCTCTCTACGAGAATTCCCCCGAATTCACCCCT TATTTAGAGACCAATTTAGGCCAGCCTACCATCCAGAGCTTCGAGCAAG TTGGCACCAAGGTGAACGTCACCGTCGAGGATGAAAGGACTTTAGTGCG GCGGAATAACACATTTTTATCCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGACCTC ATCTACACACTGTACTATTGGAAGTCCAGCTCCTCCGGCAAAAAGACCG CTAAGACCAACACCAACGAGTTTTTAATTGACGTGGACAAAGGCGAGAA CTACTGCTTCAGCGTGCAAGCCGTGATCCCTTCTCGTACCGTCAACCGG AAGAGCACAGATTCCCCCGTTGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGT TCCGGGAGGTCCAGCTGCAGCAGAGCGGACCCGAACTCGTGAAACCCGG TGCTTCCGTGAAAATGTCTTGTAAGGCCAGCGGATACACCTTCACCTCC TATGTGATCCAGTGGGTCAAACAGAAGCCCGGACAAGGTCTCGAGTGGA TCGGCAGCATCAACCCTTACAACGACTATACCAAATACAACGAGAAGTT TAAGGGAAAGGCTACTTTAACCTCCGACAAAAGCTCCATCACAGCCTAC ATGGAGTTCAGCTCTTTAACATCCGAGGACAGCGCTCTGTACTATTGCG CCCGGTGGGGCGACGGCAATTACTGGGGACGGGGCACAACACTGACCGT GAGCAGCGGAGGCGGAGGCTCCGGCGGAGGCGGATCTGGCGGTGGCGGC TCCGACATCGAGATGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGTCCGCCTCTTTAG GCGAGCGGGTCACAATGACTTGTACAGCCTCCTCCAGCGTCTCCTCCTC CTACTTCCATTGGTACCAACAGAAACCCGGAAGCTCCCCTAAACTGTGC ATCTACAGCACCAGCAATCTCGCCAGCGGCGTGCCCCCTAGGTTTTCCG GAAGCGGAAGCACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATCTCCTCCATGGAGGCTGA GGATGCCGCCACCTACTTTTGTCACCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCCACCTTC GGAGGCGGCACCAAACTGGAGACAAAGAGG.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 3) MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYSQIVLTQSPAIMSASPGEKVTMTCSASSSVSY MNWYQQKSGTSPKRWIYDTSKLASGVPAHFRGSGSGTSYSLTISGMEAE DAATYYCQQWSSNPFTFGSGTKLEINRGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSQVQLQQS GAELARPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTRYTMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGYINPSRG YTNYNQKFKDKATLTTDKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAVYYCARYYDDHYC LDYWGQGTTLTVSSSGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYT VQISTKSGDWKSKCFYTTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVE STGSAGEPLYENSPEFTPYLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTL VRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIYTLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKG ENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTDSPVECMGQEKGEFREVQLQQSGPELVK PGASVKMSCKASGYTFTSYVIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIGSINPYNDYTKYNE KFKGKATLTSDKSSITAYMEFSSLTSEDSALYYCARWGDGNYWGRGTTL TVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIEMTQSPAIMSASLGERVTMTCTASSSVS SSYFHWYQQKPGSSPKLCIYSTSNLASGVPPRFSGSGSTSYSLTISSME AEDAATYFCHQYHRSPTFGGGTKLETKR.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid that includes a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 4) ATGAAGTGGGTGACCTTCATCAGCTTATTATTTTTATTCAGCTCCGCCT ATTCCCAGATCGTGCTGACCCAAAGCCCCGCCATCATGAGCGCTAGCCC CGGTGAGAAGGTGACCATGACATGCTCCGCTTCCAGCTCCGTGTCCTAC ATGAACTGGTATCAGCAGAAAAGCGGAACCAGCCCCAAAAGGTGGATCT ACGACACCAGCAAGCTGGCCTCCGGAGTGCCCGCTCATTTCCGGGGCTC TGGATCCGGCACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATTTCCGGCATGGAAGCTGAA GACGCTGCCACCTACTATTGCCAGCAATGGAGCAGCAACCCCTTCACAT TCGGATCTGGCACCAAGCTCGAAATCAATCGTGGAGGAGGTGGCAGCGG CGGCGGTGGATCCGGCGGAGGAGGAAGCCAAGTTCAACTCCAGCAGAGC GGCGCTGAACTGGCCCGGCCCGGCGCCTCCGTCAAGATGAGCTGCAAGG CTTCCGGCTATACATTTACTCGTTACACAATGCATTGGGTCAAGCAGAG GCCCGGTCAAGGTTTAGAGTGGATCGGATATATCAACCCTTCCCGGGGC TACACCAACTATAACCAAAAGTTCAAGGATAAAGCCACTTTAACCACTG ACAAGAGCTCCTCCACCGCCTACATGCAGCTGTCCTCTTTAACCAGCGA GGACTCCGCTGTTTACTACTGCGCTAGGTATTACGACGACCACTACTCT TTAGACTATTGGGGACAAGGTACCACTTTAACCGTCAGCAGCTCCGGCA CCACCAATACCGTGGCCGCTTATAACCTCACATGGAAGAGCACCAACTT CAAGACAATTCTGGAATGGGAACCCAAGCCCGTCAATCAAGTTTACACC GTGCAGATCTCCACCAAATCCGGAGACTGGAAGAGCAAGTGCTTCTACA CAACAGACACCGAGTGTGATTTAACCGACGAAATCGTCAAGGACGTCAA GCAAACCTATCTGGCTCGGGTCTTTTCCTACCCCGCTGGCAATGTCGAG TCCACCGGCTCCGCTGGCGAGCCTCTCTACGAGAATTCCCCCGAATTCA CCCCTTATTTAGAGACCAATTTAGGCCAGCCTACCATCCAGAGCTTCGA GCAAGTTGGCACCAAGGTGAACGTCACCGTCGAGGATGAAAGGACTTTA GTGCGGCGGAATAACACATTTTTATCCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAG ACCTCATCTACACACTGTACTATTGGAAGTCCAGCTCCTCCGGCAAAAA GACCGCTAAGACCAACACCAACGAGTTTTTAATTGACGTGGACAAAGGC GAGAACTACTGCTTCAGCGTGCAAGCCGTGATCCCTTCTCGTACCGTCA ACCGGAAGAGCACAGATTCCCCCGTTGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGG CGAGTTCCGGGAGGTCCAGCTGCAGCAGAGCGGACCCGAACTCGTGAAA CCCGGTGCTTCCGTGAAAATGTCTTGTAAGGCCAGCGGATACACCTTCA CCTCCTATGTGATCCAGTGGGTCAAACAGAAGCCCGGACAAGGTCTCGA GTGGATCGGCAGCATCAACCCTTACAACGACTATACCAAATACAACGAG AAGTTTAAGGGAAAGGCTACTTTAACCTCCGACAAAAGCTCCATCACAG CCTACATGGAGTTCAGCTCTTTAACATCCGAGGACAGCGCTCTGTACTA GTTGCGCCCGTGGGGCGACGGCAATTACTGGGGACGGGGCACAACACTG ACCGTGAGCAGCGGAGGCGGAGGCTCCGGCGGAGGCGGATCTGGCGGTG GCGGCTCCGACATCGAGATGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGTCCGCCTC TTTAGGCGAGCGGGTCACAATGACTTGTACAGCCTCCTCCAGCGTCTCC TCCTCCTACTTCCATTGGTACCAACAGAAACCCGGAAGCTCCCCTAAAC TGTGCATCTACAGCACCAGCAATCTCGCCAGCGGCGTGCCCCCTAGGTT TTCCGGAAGCGGAAGCACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATCTCCTCCATGGAG GCTGAGGATGCCGCCACCTACTTTTGTCACCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCCA CCTTCGGAGGCGGCACCAAACTGGAGACAAAGAGG.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 5) VQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTSYVIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIGS INPYNDYTKYNEKFKGKATLTSDKSSITAYMEFSSLTSEDSALYYCARW GDGNYWGRGTTLTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIEMTQSPAIMSASLGER VTMTCTASSSVSSSYFHWYQQKPGSSPKLCIYSTSNLASGVPPRFSGSG STSYSLTISSMEAEDAATYFCHQYHRSPTFGGGTKLETKRSGTTNTVAA YNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFYTTDTECD LTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTPYLETN LGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIYTLY YWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTDS PVECMGQEKGEFREQIVLTQSPAIMSASPGEKVTMTCSASSSVSYMNWY QQKSGTSPKRWIYDTSKLASGVPAHFRGSGSGTSYSLTISGMEAEDAAT YYCQQWSSNPFTFGSGTKLEINRGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSQVQLQQSGAEL ARPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTRYTMEIWVKQRPGQGLEWIGYINPSRGYTN YNQKFKDKATLTTDKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAVYYCARYYDDHYCLDY WGQGTTLTVSS.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid that includes a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 6) GTGCAGCTGCAGCAGTCCGGACCCGAACTGGTCAAGCCCGGTGCCTCCG TGAAAATGTCTTGTAAGGCTTCTGGCTACACCTTTACCTCCTACGTCAT CCAATGGGTGAAGCAGAAGCCCGGTCAAGGTCTCGAGTGGATCGGCAGC ATCAATCCCTACAACGATTACACCAAGTATAACGAAAAGTTTAAGGGCA AGGCCACTCTGACAAGCGACAAGAGCTCCATTACCGCCTACATGGAGTT TTCCTCTTTAACTTCTGAGGACTCCGCTTTATACTATTGCGCTCGTTGG GGCGATGGCAATTATTGGGGCCGGGGAACTACTTTAACAGTGAGCTCCG GCGGCGGCGGAAGCGGAGGTGGAGGATCTGGCGGTGGAGGCAGCGACAT CGAGATGACACAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGAGCGCCTCTTTAGGAGAACGT GTGACCATGACTTGTACAGCTTCCTCCAGCGTGAGCAGCTCCTATTTCC ACTGGTACCAGCAGAAACCCGGCTCCTCCCCTAAACTGTGTATCTACTC CACAAGCAATTTAGCTAGCGGCGTGCCTCCTCGTTTTAGCGGCTCCGGC AGCACCTCTTACTCTTTAACCATTAGCTCTATGGAGGCCGAAGATGCCG CCACATACTTTTGCCATCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCTACCTTTGGCGGAGG CACAAAGCTGGAGACCAAGCGGAGCGGCACCACCAACACAGTGGCCGCC TACAATCTGACTTGGAAATCCACCAACTTCAAGACCATCCTCGAGTGGG AGCCCAAGCCCGTTAATCAAGTTTATACCGTGCAGATTTCCACCAAGAG CGGCGACTGGAAATCCAAGTGCTTCTATACCACAGACACCGAGTGCGAT CTCACCGACGAGATCGTCAAAGACGTGAAGCAGACATATTTAGCTAGGG TGTTCTCCTACCCCGCTGGAAACGTGGAGAGCACCGGATCCGCTGGAGA GCCTTTATACGAGAACTCCCCCGAATTCACCCCCTATCTGGAAACCAAT TTAGGCCAGCCCACCATCCAGAGCTTCGAACAAGTTGGCACAAAGGTGA ACGTCACCGTCGAAGATGAGAGGACTTTAGTGCGGAGGAACAATACATT TTTATCCTTACGTGACGTCTTCGGCAAGGATTTAATCTACACACTGTAT TACTGGAAGTCTAGCTCCTCCGGCAAGAAGACCGCCAAGACCAATACCA ACGAATTTTTAATTGACGTGGACAAGGGCGAGAACTACTGCTTCTCCGT GCAAGCTGTGATCCCCTCCCGGACAGTGAACCGGAAGTCCACCGACTCC CCCGTGGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAGAAGGGAGAGTTTCGTGAGCAGATCG TGCTGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATTATGAGCGCTAGCCCCGGTGAAAAGGT GACTATGACATGCAGCGCCAGCTCTTCCGTGAGCTACATGAACTGGTAT CAGCAGAAGTCCGGCACCAGCCCTAAAAGGTGGATCTACGACACCAGCA AGCTGGCCAGCGGCGTCCCCGCTCACTTTCGGGGCTCCGGCTCCGGAAC AAGCTACTCTCTGACCATCAGCGGCATGGAAGCCGAGGATGCCGCTACC TATTACTGTCAGCAGTGGAGCTCCAACCCCTTCACCTTTGGATCCGGCA CCAAGCTCGAGATTAATCGTGGAGGCGGAGGTAGCGGAGGAGGCGGATC CGGCGGTGGAGGTAGCCAAGTTCAGCTCCAGCAAAGCGGCGCCGAACTC GCTCGGCCCGGCGCTTCCGTGAAGATGTCTTGTAAGGCCTCCGGCTATA CCTTCACCCGGTACACAATGCACTGGGTCAAGCAACGGCCCGGTCAAGG TTTAGAGTGGATTGGCTATATCAACCCCTCCCGGGGCTATACCAACTAC AACCAGAAGTTCAAGGACAAAGCCACCCTCACCACCGACAAGTCCAGCA GCACCGCTTACATGCAGCTGAGCTCTTTAACATCCGAGGATTCCGCCGT GTACTACTGCGCTCGGTACTACGACGATCATTACTGCCTCGATTACTGG GGCCAAGGTACCACCTTAACAGTCTCCTCC.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 7) MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYSVQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTSY VIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIGSINPYNDYTKYNEKFKGKATLTSDKSSITAYM EFSSLTSEDSALYYCARWGDGNYWGRGTTLTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGS DIEMTQSPAIMSASLGERVTMTCTASSSVSSSYFHWYQQKPGSSPKLCI YSTSNLASGVPPRFSGSGSTSYSLTISSMEAEDAATYFCHQYHRSPTFG GGTKLETKRSGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQIST KSGDWKSKCFYTTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSA GEPLYENSPEFTPYLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNN TFLSLRDVFGKDLIYTLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCF SVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTDSPVECMGQEKGEFREQIVLTQSPAIMSASPGE KVTMTCSASSSVSYMNWYQQKSGTSPKRWIYDTSKLASGVPAHFRGSGS GTSYSLTISGMEAEDAATYYCQQWSSNPFTFGSGTKLEINRGGGGSGGG GSGGGGSQVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTRYTMHWVKQRPG QGLEWIGYINPSRGYTNYNQKFKDKATLTTDKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDS AVYYCARYYDDHYCLDYWGQGTTLTVSS.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid that includes a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 8) ATGAAATGGGTCACCTTCATCTCTTTACTGTTTTTATTTAGCAGCGCCT ACAGCGTGCAGCTGCAGCAGTCCGGACCCGAACTGGTCAAGCCCGGTGC CTCCGTGAAAATGTCTTGTAAGGCTTCTGGCTACACCTTTACCTCCTAC GTCATCCAATGGGTGAAGCAGAAGCCCGGTCAAGGTCTCGAGTGGATCG GCAGCATCAATCCCTACAACGATTACACCAAGTATAACGAAAAGTTTAA GGGCAAGGCCACTCTGACAAGCGACAAGAGCTCCATTACCGCCTACATG GAGTTTTCCTCTTTAACTTCTGAGGACTCCGCTTTATACTATTGCGCTC GTTGGGGCGATGGCAATTATTGGGGCCGGGGAACTACTTTAACAGTGAG CTCCGGCGGCGGCGGAAGCGGAGGTGGAGGATCTGGCGGTGGAGGCAGC GACATCGAGATGACACAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGAGCGCCTCTTTAGGAG AACGTGTGACCATGACTTGTACAGCTTCCTCCAGCGTGAGCAGCTCCTA TTTCCACTGGTACCAGCAGAAACCCGGCTCCTCCCCTAAACTGTGTATC TACTCCACAAGCAATTTAGCTAGCGGCGTGCCTCCTCGTTTTAGCGGCT CCGGCAGCACCTCTTACTCTTTAACCATTAGCTCTATGGAGGCCGAAGA TGCCGCCACATACTTTTGCCATCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCTACCTTTGGC GGAGGCACAAAGCTGGAGACCAAGCGGAGCGGCACCACCAACACAGTGG CCGCCTACAATCTGACTTGGAAATCCACCAACTTCAAGACCATCCTCGA GTGGGAGCCCAAGCCCGTTAATCAAGTTTATACCGTGCAGATTTCCACC AAGAGCGGCGACTGGAAATCCAAGTGCTTCTATACCACAGACACCGAGT GCGATCTCACCGACGAGATCGTCAAAGACGTGAAGCAGACATATTTAGC TAGGGTGTTCTCCTACCCCGCTGGAAACGTGGAGAGCACCGGATCCGCT GGAGAGCCTTTATACGAGAACTCCCCCGAATTCACCCCCTATCTGGAAA CCAATTTAGGCCAGCCCACCATCCAGAGCTTCGAACAAGTTGGCACAAA GGTGAACGTCACCGTCGAAGATGAGAGGACTTTAGTGCGGAGGAACAAT ACATTTTTATCCTTACGTGACGTCTTCGGCAAGGATTTAATCTACACAC TGTATTACTGGAAGTCTAGCTCCTCCGGCAAGAAGACCGCCAAGACCAA TACCAACGAATTTTTAATTGACGTGGACAAGGGCGAGAACTACTGCTTC TCCGTGCAAGCTGTGATCCCCTCCCGGACAGTGAACCGGAAGTCCACCG ACTCCCCCGTGGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAGAAGGGAGAGTTTCGTGAGCA GATCGTGCTGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATTATGAGCGCTAGCCCCGGTGAA AAGGTGACTATGACATGCAGCGCCAGCTCTTCCGTGAGCTACATGAACT  GGTATCAGCAGAAGTCCGGCACCAGCCCTAAAAGGTGGATCTACGACAC CAGCAAGCTGGCCAGCGGCGTCCCCGCTCACTTTCGGGGCTCCGGCTCC GGAACAAGCTACTCTCTGACCATCAGCGGCATGGAAGCCGAGGATGCCG CTACCTATTACTGTCAGCAGTGGAGCTCCAACCCCTTCACCTTTGGATC CGGCACCAAGCTCGAGATTAATCGTGGAGGCGGAGGTAGCGGAGGAGGC GGATCCGGCGGTGGAGGTAGCCAAGTTCAGCTCCAGCAAAGCGGCGCCG AACTCGCTCGGCCCGGCGCTTCCGTGAAGATGTCTTGTAAGGCCTCCGG CTATACCTTCACCCGGTACACAATGCACTGGGTCAAGCAACGGCCCGGT CAAGGTTTAGAGTGGATTGGCTATATCAACCCCTCCCGGGGCTATACCA ACTACAACCAGAAGTTCAAGGACAAAGCCACCCTCACCACCGACAAGTC CAGCAGCACCGCTTACATGCAGCTGAGCTCTTTAACATCCGAGGATTCC GCCGTGTACTACTGCGCTCGGTACTACGACGATCATTACTGCCTCGATT ACTGGGGCCAAGGTACCACCTTAACAGTCTCCTCC.

Non-limiting aspects of these chimeric polypeptides, nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and methods are described below, and can be used in any combination without limitation. Additional aspects of these chimeric polypeptides, nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and methods are known in the art.

Tissue Factor

Human tissue factor is a 263 amino-acid transmembrane protein containing three domains: (1) a 219-amino acid N-terminal extracellular domain (residues 1-219); (2) a 22-amino acid transmembrane domain (residues 220-242); and (3) a 21-amino acid cytoplasmic C-terminal tail (residues 242-263) ((UniProtKB Identifier Number: P13726). The cytoplasmic tail contains two phosphorylation sites at Ser253 and Ser258, and one S-palmitoylation site at Cys245. Deletion or mutation of the cytoplasmic domain was not found to affect tissue factor coagulation activity. Tissue factor has one S-palmitoylation site in the intracellular domain of the protein at Cys245. The Cys245 is located at the amino acid terminus of the intracellular domain and close to the membrane surface. The tissue factor transmembrane domain is composed of a single-spanning α-helix.

The extracellular domain of tissue factor, composed of two fibronectin type III domains, is connected to the transmembrane domain through a six-amino acid linker. This linker provides conformational flexibility to decouple the tissue factor extracellular domain from its transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. Each tissue factor fibronectin type III module is composed of two overlapping 0 sheets with the top sheet domain containing three antiparallel β-strands and the bottom sheet containing four β-strands. The β-strands are connected by 0-loops between strand βA and βB, βC and βD, and βE and βF, all of which are conserved in conformation in the two modules. There are three short α-helix segments connecting the β-strands. A unique feature of tissue factor is a 17-amino acid β-hairpin between strand β10 and strand β11, which is not a common element of the fibronectin superfamily. The N-terminal domain also contains a 12 amino acid loop between β6F and β7G that is not present in the C-terminal domain and is unique to tissue factor. Such a fibronectin type III domain structure is a feature of the immunoglobulin-like family of protein folds and is conserved among a wide variety of extracellular proteins.

The zymogen FVII is rapidly converted to FVIIa by limited proteolysis once it binds to tissue to form the active tissue factor-FVIIa complex. The FVIIa, which circulates as an enzyme at a concentration of approximately 0.1 nM (1% of plasma FVII), can also bind directly to tissue factor. The allosteric interaction between tissue factor and FVIIa on the tissue factor-FVIIa complex greatly increases the enzymatic activity of FVIIa: an approximate 20- to 100-fold increase in the rate of hydrolysis of small, chromogenic peptidyl substrates, and nearly a million-fold increase in the rate of activation of the natural macromolecular substrates FIX and FX. In concert with allosteric activation of the active site of FVIIa upon binding to tissue factor, the formation of tissue factor-FVIIa complex on phospholipid bilayer (i.e., upon exposure of phosphatidyl-L-serine on membrane surfaces) increases the rate of FIX or FX activation, in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner, an additional 1,000-fold. The roughly million-fold overall increase in FX activation by tissue factor-FVIIa-phospholipid complex relative to free FVIIa is a critical regulatory point for the coagulation cascade.

FVII is a ˜50 kDa, single-chain polypeptide consisting of 406 amino acid residues, with an N-terminal γ-carboxyglutamate-rich (GLA) domain, two epidermal growth factor-like domains (EGF1 and EFG2), and a C-terminal serine protease domain. FVII is activated to FVIIa by a specific proteolytic cleavage of the Ile-¹⁵⁴-Arg¹⁵² bond in the short linker region between the EGF2 and the protease domain. This cleavage results in the light and heavy chains being held together by a single disulfide bond of Cys¹³⁵ and Cys²⁶². FVIIa binds phospholipid membrane in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner through its N-terminal GLA-domain. Immediately C-terminal to the GLA domain is an aromatic stack and two EGF domains. The aromatic stack connects the GLA to EGF1 domain which binds a single Ca′ ion. Occupancy of this Ca²⁺-binding site increases FVIIa amidolytic activity and tissue factor association. The catalytic triad consist of His193 Asp242, and Ser³⁴⁴, and binding of a single Ca′ ion within the FVIIa protease domain is critical for its catalytic activity. Proteolytic activation of FVII to FVIIa frees the newly formed amino terminus at Ile¹⁵³ to fold back and be inserted into the activation pocket forming a salt bridge with the carboxylate of Asp³⁴³ to generate the oxyanion hole. Formation of this salt bridge is critical for FVIIa activity. However, oxyanion hole formation does not occur in free FVIIa upon proteolytic activation. As a result, FVIIa circulates in a zymogen-like state that is poorly recognized by plasma protease inhibitors, allowing it to circulate with a half-life of approximately 90 minutes.

Tissue factor-mediated positioning of the FVIIa active site above the membrane surface is important for FVIIa towards cognate substrates. Free FVIIa adopts a stable, extended structure when bound to the membrane with its active site positioned ˜80 Å above the membrane surface. Upon FVIIa binding to tissue factor, the FVa active site is repositioned ˜6 Å closer to the membrane. This modulation may aid in a proper alignment of the FVIIa catalytic triad with the target substrate cleavage site. Using GLA-domainless FVIIa, it has been shown that the active site was still positioned a similar distance above the membrane, demonstrating that tissue factor is able to fully support FVIIa active site positioning even in the absence of FVIIa-membrane interaction. Additional data showed that tissue factor supported full FVIIa proteolytic activity as long as the tissue factor extracellular domain was tethered in some way to the membrane surface. However, raising the active site of FVIIa greater than 80 Å above the membrane surface greatly reduced the ability of the tissue factor-FVIIa complex to activate FX but did not diminish tissue factor-FVIIa amidolytic activity.

Alanine scanning mutagenesis has been used to assess the role of specific amino acid side chains in the tissue factor extracellular domain for interaction with FVIIa (Gibbs et al., Biochemistry 33(47): 14003-14010, 1994; Schullek et al., J Biol Chem 269(30): 19399-19403, 1994). Alanine substitution identified a limited number of residue positions at which alanine replacements cause 5- to 10-fold lower affinity for FVIIa binding. Most of these residue side chains were found to be well-exposed to solvent in the crystal structure, concordant with macromolecular ligand interaction. The FVIIa ligand-binding site is located over an extensive region at the boundary between the two modules. In the C-module, residues Arg¹³⁵ and Phe¹⁴⁰ located on the protruding B-C loop provide an independent contact with FVIIa. Leu¹³³ is located at the base of the fingerlike structure and packed into the cleft between the two modules. This provides continuity to a major cluster of important binding residues consisting of Lys²⁰, Thr⁶⁰, Asp⁵⁸, and Ile²². Thr⁶⁰ is only partially solvent-exposed and may play a local structural role rather than making a significant contact with ligand. The binding site extends onto the concave side of the intermodule angle involving Glu²⁴ and Gln¹¹⁰, and potentially the more distant residue Val²⁰⁷. The binding region extends from Asp⁵⁸ onto a convex surface area formed by Lys⁴⁸, Lys⁴⁶, Gln³⁷, Asp⁴⁴, and Trp⁴⁵. Trp⁴⁵ and Asp⁴⁴ do not interact independently with FVIIa, indicating that the mutational effect at the Trp⁴⁵ position may reflect a structural importance of this side chain for the local packing of the adjacent Asp⁴⁴ and Gln³⁷ side chain. The interactive area further includes two surface-exposed aromatic residues, Phe⁷⁶ and Tyr⁷⁸, which form part of the hydrophobic cluster in the N-module.

The known physiologic substrates of tissue factor-FVIIa are FVII, FIX, and FX and certain proteinase-activated receptors. Mutational analysis has identified a number of residues that, when mutated, support full FVIIa amidolytic activity towards small peptidyl substrates but are deficient in their ability to support macromolecular substrate (i.e., FVII, FIX, and FX) activation (Ruf et al., J Biol Chem 267(31): 22206-22210, 1992; Ruf et al., J Biol Chem 267(9): 6375-6381, 1992; Huang et al., J Biol Chem 271(36): 21752-21757, 1996; Kirchhofer et al., Biochemistry 39(25): 7380-7387, 2000). The tissue factor loop region at residues 159-165, and residues in or adjacent to this flexible loop have been shown to be critical for the proteolytic activity of the tissue factor-FVIIa complex. This defines the proposed substrate-binding exosite region of tissue factor that is quite distant from the FVIIa active site. A substitution of the glycine residue by a marginally bulkier residue alanine, significantly impairs tissue factor-FVIIa proteolytic activity. This suggests that the flexibility afforded by glycine is critical for the loop of residues 159-165 for tissue factor macromolecular substrate recognition.

The residues Lys¹⁶⁵ and Lys¹⁶⁶ have also been demonstrated to be important for substrate recognition and binding. Mutation of either of these residues to alanine results in a significant decrease in the tissue factor co-factor function. Lys¹⁶⁵ and Lys¹⁶⁶ face away from each other, with Lys¹⁶⁵ pointing towards FVIIa in most tissue factor-FVIIa structures, and Lys¹⁶⁶ pointing into the substrate binding exosite region in the crystal structure. Putative salt bridge formation between Lys¹⁶⁵ of and Gla³⁵ of FVIIa would support the notion that tissue factor interaction with the GLA domain of FVIIa modulates substrate recognition. These results suggest that the C-terminal portion of the tissue factor ectodomain directly interacts with the GLA-domain, the possible adjacent EGF1 domains, of FIX and FX, and that the presence of the FVIIa GLA-domain may modulate these interactions either directly or indirectly.

Soluble Tissue Factor Domain

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides, compositions, or methods described herein, the soluble tissue factor domain can be a wildtype tissue factor polypeptide lacking the signal sequence, the transmembrane domain, and the intracellular domain. In some examples, the soluble tissue factor domain can be a tissue factor mutant, wherein a wildtype tissue factor polypeptide lacking the signal sequence, the transmembrane domain, and the intracellular domain, and has been further modified at selected amino acids. In some examples, the soluble tissue factor domain can be a soluble human tissue factor domain. In some examples, the soluble tissue factor domain can be a soluble mouse tissue factor domain. In some examples, the soluble tissue factor domain can be a soluble rat tissue factor domain. Non-limiting examples of soluble human tissue factor domains, a mouse soluble tissue factor domain, a rat soluble tissue factor domain, and mutant soluble tissue factor domains are shown below.

Exemplary Soluble Human Tissue Factor Domain (SEQ ID NO: 9) SGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFY TTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTP YLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIY TLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTD SPVECMGQEKGEFRE Exemplary Nucleic Acid Encoding Soluble Human Tissue Factor Domain (SEQ ID NO: 10) AGCGGCACAACCAACACAGTCGCTGCCTATAACCTCACTTGGAAGAGCACC AACTTCAAAACCATCCTCGAATGGGAACCCAAACCCGTTAACCAAGTTTAC ACCGTGCAGATCAGCACCAAGTCCGGCGACTGGAAGTCCAAATGTTTCTAT ACCACCGACACCGAGTGCGATCTCACCGATGAGATCGTGAAAGATGTGAAA CAGACCTACCTCGCCCGGGTGTTTAGCTACCCCGCCGGCAATGTGGAGAGC ACTGGTTCCGCTGGCGAGCCTTTATACGAGAACAGCCCCGAATTTACCCCT TACCTCGAGACCAATTTAGGACAGCCCACCATCCAAAGCTTTGAGCAAGTT GGCACAAAGGTGAATGTGACAGTGGAGGACGAGCGGACTTTAGTGCGGCGG AACAACACCTTTCTCAGCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGATTTAATCTAC ACACTGTATTACTGGAAGTCCTCTTCCTCCGGCAAGAAGACAGCTAAAACC AACACAAACGAGTTTTTAATCGACGTGGATAAAGGCGAAAACTACTGTTTC AGCGTGCAAGCTGTGATCCCCTCCCGGACCGTGAATAGGAAAAGCACCGAT AGCCCCGTTGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGTTCCGGGAG Exemplary Soluble Mouse Tissue Factor Domain (SEQ ID NO: 11) agipekafnltwistdfktilewqpkptnytytvqisdrsrnwknkcfstt dtecdltdeivkdvtwayeakvlsvprrnsvhgdgdqlvihgeeppftnap kflpyrdtnlgqpviqqfeqdgrklnvvvkdsltlvrkngtfltlrqvfgk dlgyiityrkgsstgkktnitntnefsidveegvsycffvqamifsrktnq nspgsstvcteqwksflge Exemplary Soluble Rat Tissue Factor Domain (SEQ ID NO: 12) Agtppgkafnltwistdfktilewqpkptnytytvqisdrsrnwkykctgt tdtecdltdeivkdvnwtyearvlsvpwrnsthgketlfgthgeeppftna rkflpyrdtkigqpviqkyeqggtklkvtvkdsftlvrkngtfltlrqvfg ndlgyiltyrkdsstgrktntthtneflidvekgvsycffaqavifsrktn hkspesitkcteqwksvlge Exemplary Mutant Soluble Human Tissue Factor Domain (SEQ ID NO: 96) SGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFATALEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFY TTDTECALTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTP YLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVARNNTALSLRDVFGKDLIY TLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTD SPVECMGQEKGEFRE Exemplary Mutant Soluble Human Tissue Factor Domain (SEQ ID NO: 97) SGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFATALEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDAKSKCFY TTDTECALTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLAENSPEFTP YLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVARNNTALSLRDVFGKDLIY TLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTD SPVECMGQEKGEFRE

In some embodiments, a soluble tissue factor domain can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical, at least 72% identical, at least 74% identical, at least 76% identical, at least 78% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 9, 11, 12, 96, or 97. In some embodiments, a soluble tissue factor domain can include a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, 11, 12, 96, or 97 with one to twenty amino acids (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20) amino acids removed from its N-terminus and/or one to twenty amino acids (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20) amino acids removed from its C-terminus.

As can be appreciated in the art, one skilled in the art would understand that mutation of amino acids that are conserved between different mammalian species is more likely to decrease the activity and/or structural stability of the protein, while mutation of amino acids that are not conserved between different mammalian species is less likely to decrease the activity and/or structural stability of the protein.

In some examples of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the soluble tissue factor domain is not capable of binding to Factor Vila. In some examples of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the soluble tissue factor domain does not convert inactive Factor X into Factor Xa. In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide does not stimulate blood coagulation in a mammal.

In some examples, the soluble tissue factor domain can be a soluble human tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the soluble tissue factor domain can be a soluble mouse tissue factor domain. In some embodiments, the soluble tissue factor domain can be a soluble rat tissue factor domain.

In some examples, the soluble tissue factor domain does not include one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six or seven) of: a lysine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 20 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; an isoleucine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 22 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; a tryptophan at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 45 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; an aspartic acid at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 58 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; a tyrosine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 94 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; an arginine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 135 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; and a phenylalanine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 140 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein. In some embodiments, the mutant soluble tissue factor possesses the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO: 97.

In some examples, the soluble tissue factor domain can be encoded by a nucleic acid including a sequence that is at least 70% identical, at least 72% identical, at least 74% identical, at least 76% identical, at least 78% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 10.

In some embodiments, the soluble tissue factor domain can have a total length of about 20 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 205 amino acids, about 205 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 205 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, about 205 amino acids to about 210 amino acids, about 210 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 210 amino acids to about 215 amino acids, or about 215 amino acids to about 220 amino acids.

In some embodiments, the soluble tissue factor domain can comprise or consist of a soluble wildtype human tissue factor (or any sequence therefrom).

Linker Sequences

In some embodiments, the linker sequence can be a flexible linker sequence. Non-limiting examples of linker sequences that can be used are described in Klein et al., Protein Engineering, Design & Selection Vol. 27, No. 10, pp. 325-330, 2014; Priyanka et al., Protein Sci., 2013 February; 22(2):153-167. In some examples, the linker sequence is a synthetic linker sequence.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten linker sequence(s) (e.g., the same or different linker sequences, e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art). In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten linker sequence(s) (e.g., the same or different linker sequences, e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art).

In some embodiments, a linker sequence can have a total length of 1 amino acid to about 100 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 90 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 80 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 70 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 60 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 50 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 45 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 40 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 35 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 30 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 25 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 24 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 22 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 20 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 18 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 16 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 14 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 12 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 10 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 8 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 6 amino acids, 1 amino acid to about 4 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 22 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 18 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 16 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 14 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 12 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 10 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 8 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 6 amino acids, about 2 amino acids to about 4 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 22 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 18 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 16 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 14 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 12 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 10 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 8 amino acids, about 4 amino acids to about 6 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 22 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 18 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 16 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 14 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 12 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 10 amino acids, about 6 amino acids to about 8 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 22 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 18 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 16 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 14 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 12 amino acids, about 8 amino acids to about 10 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 22 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 18 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 16 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 14 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 12 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 22 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 18 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 16 amino acids, about 12 amino acids to about 14 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 22 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 18 amino acids, about 14 amino acids to about 16 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 22 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 16 amino acids to about 18 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 22 amino acids, about 18 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 22 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 22 amino acids to about 24 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, or about 90 amino acids to about 100 amino acids.

In some embodiments, the linker is rich in glycine (Gly or G) residues. In some embodiments, the linker is rich in serine (Ser or S) residues. In some embodiments, the linker is rich in glycine and serine residues. In some embodiments, the linker has one or more glycine-serine residue pairs (GS), e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more GS pairs. In some embodiments, the linker has one or more Gly-Gly-Gly-Ser (GGGS) sequences, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more GGGS sequences. In some embodiments, the linker has one or more Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Ser (GGGGS) sequences, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more GGGGS sequences. In some embodiments, the linker has one or more Gly-Gly-Ser-Gly (GGSG) sequences, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more GGSG sequences.

In some embodiments, the linker sequence can comprise or consist of GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 13). In some embodiments, the linker sequence can be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising or consisting of: GGCGGTGGAGGATCCGGAGGAGGTGGCTCCGGCGGCGGAGGATCT (SEQ ID NO: 14). In some embodiments, the linker sequence can comprise or consist of: GGGSGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 15).

Target-Binding Domains

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and/or the additional one or more target-binding domains can be an antigen-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary antigen-binding domains described herein or known in the art), a soluble interleukin or cytokine protein (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble interleukin proteins or soluble cytokine proteins described herein), and a soluble interleukin or cytokine receptor (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble interleukin receptors or soluble cytokine receptors described herein).

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, one or more of the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary first target binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary second target binding domains described herein or known in the art), and the one or more additional target binding domains can each, independently, bind specifically to a target selected from the group of: bind specifically to a target selected from the group consisting of: CD16a, CD28, CD3 (e.g., one or more of CD3α, CD3β, CD3δ, CD3ε, and CD3γ), CD33, CD20, CD19, CD22, CD123, IL-1R, IL-1, VEGF, IL-6R, IL-4, IL-10, PDL-1, TIGIT, PD-1, TIM3, CTLA4, MICA, MICB, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CD26a, CD36, ULBP2, CD30, CD200, IGF-1R, MUC4AC, MUC5AC, Trop-2, CMET, EGFR, HER1, HER2, HER3, PSMA, CEA, B7H3, EPCAM, BCMA, P-cadherin, CEACAM5, a UL16-binding protein (e.g., ULBP1, ULBP2, ULBP3, ULBP4, ULBP5, and ULBP6), HLA-DR, DLL4, TYR03, AXL, MER, CD122, CD155, PDGF-DD, a ligand of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a ligand of TGF-βRIII, a ligand of DNAM1, a ligand of NKp46, a ligand of NKp44, a ligand of NKG2D, a ligand of NKp30, a ligand for a scMHCI, a ligand for a scMHCII, a ligand for a scTCR, a receptor for IL-1, a receptor for IL-2, a receptor for IL-3, a receptor for IL-7, a receptor for IL-8, a receptor for IL-10, a receptor for IL-12, a receptor for IL-15, a receptor for IL-17, a receptor for IL-18, a receptor for IL-21, a receptor for PDGF-DD, a receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), a receptor for stem cell-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), a receptor for MICA, a receptor for MICB, a receptor for a ULP16-binding protein, a receptor for CD155, a receptor for CD122, and a receptor for CD28.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and/or the one or more additional target-binding domains can each independent have a total number of amino acids of about 5 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 55 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 15 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 10 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 55 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 15 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 55 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 15 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 55 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 20 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 55 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 25 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 55 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 30 amino acids to about 35 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 55 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 35 amino acids to about 40 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 55 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 40 amino acids to about 45 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 55 amino acids, about 45 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 55 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 55 amino acids to about 60 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 60 amino acids to about 65 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 65 amino acids to about 70 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 70 amino acids to about 75 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 75 amino acids to about 80 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 80 amino acids to about 85 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 85 amino acids to about 90 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 90 amino acids to about 95 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 95 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 100 amino acids to about 105 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 105 amino acids to about 110 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 110 amino acids to about 115 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 115 amino acids to about 120 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 120 amino acids to about 125 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 125 amino acids to about 130 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 130 amino acids to about 135 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 135 amino acids to about 140 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 140 amino acids to about 145 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 145 amino acids to about 150 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 150 amino acids to about 155 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 155 amino acids to about 160 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 160 amino acids to about 165 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 165 amino acids to about 170 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 170 amino acids to about 175 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 175 amino acids to about 180 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 180 amino acids to about 185 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 185 amino acids to about 190 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 190 amino acids to about 195 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 195 amino acids to about 200 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 200 amino acids to about 220 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 220 amino acids to about 240 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 240 amino acids to about 260 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 260 amino acids to about 280 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 280 amino acids to about 300 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 300 amino acids to about 350 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 350 amino acids to about 400 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 400 amino acids to about 450 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 450 amino acids to about 500 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 500 amino acids to about 550 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 550 amino acids to about 600 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 600 amino acids to about 650 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 650 amino acids to about 700 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 700 amino acids to about 750 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 750 amino acids to about 800 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 800 amino acids to about 850 amino acids, about 850 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 850 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, about 850 amino acids to about 900 amino acids, about 900 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids, about 900 amino acids to about 950 amino acids, or about 950 amino acids to about 1000 amino acids.

Any of the target-binding domains described herein can bind to its target with a dissociation equilibrium constant (K_(D)) of less than 1×10⁻⁷M, less than 1×10⁻⁸M, less than 1×10⁻⁹M, less than 1×10⁻¹° M, less than 1×10⁻¹¹ M, less than 1×10⁻¹²M, or less than 1×10⁻¹³ M. In some embodiments, the antigen-binding protein construct provided herein can bind to an identifying antigen with a K_(D) of about 1×10⁻³ M to about 1×10⁻⁵ M, about 1×10⁻⁴ M to about 1×10⁻⁶M, about 1×10⁻⁵M to about 1×10⁻⁷ M, about 1×10⁻⁶ M to about 1×10⁻⁸ M, about 1×10⁻⁷ M to about 1×10⁻⁹M, about 1×10⁻⁸M to about 1×10⁻¹⁰ M, or about 1×10⁻⁹ M to about 1×10⁻¹¹M (inclusive).

Any of the target-binding domains described herein can bind to its target with a K_(D) of between about 1 pM to about 30 nM (e.g., about 1 pM to about 25 nM, about 1 pM to about 20 nM, about 1 pM to about 15 nM, about 1 pM to about 10 nM, about 1 pM to about 5 nM, about 1 pM to about 2 nM, about 1 pM to about 1 nM, about 1 pM to about 950 pM, about 1 pM to about 900 pM, about 1 pM to about 850 pM, about 1 pM to about 800 pM, about 1 pM to about 750 pM, about 1 pM to about 700 pM, about 1 pM to about 650 pM, about 1 pM to about 600 pM, about 1 pM to about 550 pM, about 1 pM to about 500 pM, about 1 pM to about 450 pM, about 1 pM to about 400 pM, about 1 pM to about 350 pM, about 1 pM to about 300 pM, about 1 pM to about 250 pM, about 1 pM to about 200 pM, about 1 pM to about 150 pM, about 1 pM to about 100 pM, about 1 pM to about 90 pM, about 1 pM to about 80 pM, about 1 pM to about 70 pM, about 1 pM to about 60 pM, about 1 pM to about 50 pM, about 1 pM to about 40 pM, about 1 pM to about 30 pM, about 1 pM to about 20 pM, about 1 pM to about 10 pM, about 1 pM to about 5 pM, about 1 pM to about 4 pM, about 1 pM to about 3 pM, about 1 pM to about 2 pM, about 2 pM to about 30 nM, about 2 pM to about 25 nM, about 2 pM to about 20 nM, about 2 pM to about 15 nM, about 2 pM to about 10 nM, about 2 pM to about 5 nM, about 2 pM to about 2 nM, about 2 pM to about 1 nM, about 2 pM to about 950 pM, about 2 pM to about 900 pM, about 2 pM to about 850 pM, about 2 pM to about 800 pM, about 2 pM to about 750 pM, about 2 pM to about 700 pM, about 2 pM to about 650 pM, about 2 pM to about 600 pM, about 2 pM to about 550 pM, about 2 pM to about 500 pM, about 2 pM to about 450 pM, about 2 pM to about 400 pM, about 2 pM to about 350 pM, about 2 pM to about 300 pM, about 2 pM to about 250 pM, about 2 pM to about 200 pM, about 2 pM to about 150 pM, about 2 pM to about 100 pM, about 2 pM to about 90 pM, about 2 pM to about 80 pM, about 2 pM to about 70 pM, about 2 pM to about 60 pM, about 2 pM to about 50 pM, about 2 pM to about 40 pM, about 2 pM to about 30 pM, about 2 pM to about 20 pM, about 2 pM to about 10 pM, about 2 pM to about 5 pM, about 2 pM to about 4 pM, about 2 pM to about 3 pM, about 5 pM to about 30 nM, about 5 pM to about 25 nM, about 5 pM to about 20 nM, about 5 pM to about 15 nM, about 5 pM to about 10 nM, about 5 pM to about 5 nM, about 5 pM to about 2 nM, about 5 pM to about 1 nM, about 5 pM to about 950 pM, about 5 pM to about 900 pM, about 5 pM to about 850 pM, about 5 pM to about 800 pM, about 5 pM to about 750 pM, about 5 pM to about 700 pM, about 5 pM to about 650 pM, about 5 pM to about 600 pM, about 5 pM to about 550 pM, about 5 pM to about 500 pM, about 5 pM to about 450 pM, about 5 pM to about 400 pM, about 5 pM to about 350 pM, about 5 pM to about 300 pM, about 5 pM to about 250 pM, about 5 pM to about 200 pM, about 5 pM to about 150 pM, about 5 pM to about 100 pM, about 5 pM to about 90 pM, about 5 pM to about 80 pM, about 5 pM to about 70 pM, about 5 pM to about 60 pM, about 5 pM to about 50 pM, about 5 pM to about 40 pM, about 5 pM to about 30 pM, about 5 pM to about 20 pM, about 5 pM to about 10 pM, about 10 pM to about 30 nM, about 10 pM to about 25 nM, about 10 pM to about 20 nM, about 10 pM to about 15 nM, about 10 pM to about 10 nM, about 10 pM to about 5 nM, about 10 pM to about 2 nM, about 10 pM to about 1 nM, about 10 pM to about 950 pM, about 10 pM to about 900 pM, about 10 pM to about 850 pM, about 10 pM to about 800 pM, about 10 pM to about 750 pM, about 10 pM to about 700 pM, about 10 pM to about 650 pM, about 10 pM to about 600 pM, about 10 pM to about 550 pM, about 10 pM to about 500 pM, about 10 pM to about 450 pM, about 10 pM to about 400 pM, about 10 pM to about 350 pM, about 10 pM to about 300 pM, about 10 pM to about 250 pM, about 10 pM to about 200 pM, about 10 pM to about 150 pM, about 10 pM to about 100 pM, about 10 pM to about 90 pM, about 10 pM to about 80 pM, about 10 pM to about 70 pM, about 10 pM to about 60 pM, about 10 pM to about 50 pM, about 10 pM to about 40 pM, about 10 pM to about 30 pM, about 10 pM to about 20 pM, about 15 pM to about 30 nM, about 15 pM to about 25 nM, about 15 pM to about 20 nM, about 15 pM to about 15 nM, about 15 pM to about 10 nM, about 15 pM to about 5 nM, about 15 pM to about 2 nM, about 15 pM to about 1 nM, about 15 pM to about 950 pM, about 15 pM to about 900 pM, about 15 pM to about 850 pM, about 15 pM to about 800 pM, about 15 pM to about 750 pM, about 15 pM to about 700 pM, about 15 pM to about 650 pM, about 15 pM to about 600 pM, about 15 pM to about 550 pM, about 15 pM to about 500 pM, about 15 pM to about 450 pM, about 15 pM to about 400 pM, about 15 pM to about 350 pM, about 15 pM to about 300 pM, about 15 pM to about 250 pM, about 15 pM to about 200 pM, about 15 pM to about 150 pM, about 15 pM to about 100 pM, about 15 pM to about 90 pM, about 15 pM to about 80 pM, about 15 pM to about 70 pM, about 15 pM to about 60 pM, about 15 pM to about 50 pM, about 15 pM to about 40 pM, about 15 pM to about 30 pM, about 15 pM to about 20 pM, about 20 pM to about 30 nM, about 20 pM to about 25 nM, about 20 pM to about 20 nM, about 20 pM to about 15 nM, about 20 pM to about 10 nM, about 20 pM to about 5 nM, about 20 pM to about 2 nM, about 20 pM to about 1 nM, about 20 pM to about 950 pM, about 20 pM to about 900 pM, about 20 pM to about 850 pM, about 20 pM to about 800 pM, about 20 pM to about 750 pM, about 20 pM to about 700 pM, about 20 pM to about 650 pM, about 20 pM to about 600 pM, about 20 pM to about 550 pM, about 20 pM to about 500 pM, about 20 pM to about 450 pM, about 20 pM to about 400 pM, about 20 pM to about 350 pM, about 20 pM to about 300 pM, about 20 pM to about 250 pM, about 20 pM to about 20 pM, about 200 pM to about 150 pM, about 20 pM to about 100 pM, about 20 pM to about 90 pM, about 20 pM to about 80 pM, about 20 pM to about 70 pM, about 20 pM to about 60 pM, about 20 pM to about 50 pM, about 20 pM to about 40 pM, about 20 pM to about 30 pM, about 30 pM to about 30 nM, about 30 pM to about 25 nM, about 30 pM to about 30 nM, about 30 pM to about 15 nM, about 30 pM to about 10 nM, about 30 pM to about 5 nM, about 30 pM to about 2 nM, about 30 pM to about 1 nM, about 30 pM to about 950 pM, about 30 pM to about 900 pM, about 30 pM to about 850 pM, about 30 pM to about 800 pM, about 30 pM to about 750 pM, about 30 pM to about 700 pM, about 30 pM to about 650 pM, about 30 pM to about 600 pM, about 30 pM to about 550 pM, about 30 pM to about 500 pM, about 30 pM to about 450 pM, about 30 pM to about 400 pM, about 30 pM to about 350 pM, about 30 pM to about 300 pM, about 30 pM to about 250 pM, about 30 pM to about 200 pM, about 30 pM to about 150 pM, about 30 pM to about 100 pM, about 30 pM to about 90 pM, about 30 pM to about 80 pM, about 30 pM to about 70 pM, about 30 pM to about 60 pM, about 30 pM to about 50 pM, about 30 pM to about 40 pM, about 40 pM to about 30 nM, about 40 pM to about 25 nM, about 40 pM to about 30 nM, about 40 pM to about 15 nM, about 40 pM to about 10 nM, about 40 pM to about 5 nM, about 40 pM to about 2 nM, about 40 pM to about 1 nM, about 40 pM to about 950 pM, about 40 pM to about 900 pM, about 40 pM to about 850 pM, about 40 pM to about 800 pM, about 40 pM to about 750 pM, about 40 pM to about 700 pM, about 40 pM to about 650 pM, about 40 pM to about 600 pM, about 40 pM to about 550 pM, about 40 pM to about 500 pM, about 40 pM to about 450 pM, about 40 pM to about 400 pM, about 40 pM to about 350 pM, about 40 pM to about 300 pM, about 40 pM to about 250 pM, about 40 pM to about 200 pM, about 40 pM to about 150 pM, about 40 pM to about 100 pM, about 40 pM to about 90 pM, about 40 pM to about 80 pM, about 40 pM to about 70 pM, about 40 pM to about 60 pM, about 40 pM to about 50 pM, about 50 pM to about 30 nM, about 50 pM to about 25 nM, about 50 pM to about 30 nM, about 50 pM to about 15 nM, about 50 pM to about 10 nM, about 50 pM to about 5 nM, about 50 pM to about 2 nM, about 50 pM to about 1 nM, about 50 pM to about 950 pM, about 50 pM to about 900 pM, about 50 pM to about 850 pM, about 50 pM to about 800 pM, about 50 pM to about 750 pM, about 50 pM to about 700 pM, about 50 pM to about 650 pM, about 50 pM to about 600 pM, about 50 pM to about 550 pM, about 50 pM to about 500 pM, about 50 pM to about 450 pM, about 50 pM to about 400 pM, about 50 pM to about 350 pM, about 50 pM to about 300 pM, about 50 pM to about 250 pM, about 50 pM to about 200 pM, about 50 pM to about 150 pM, about 50 pM to about 100 pM, about 50 pM to about 90 pM, about 50 pM to about 80 pM, about 50 pM to about 70 pM, about 50 pM to about 60 pM, about 60 pM to about 30 nM, about 60 pM to about 25 nM, about 60 pM to about 30 nM, about 60 pM to about 15 nM, about 60 pM to about 10 nM, about 60 pM to about 5 nM, about 60 pM to about 2 nM, about 60 pM to about 1 nM, about 60 pM to about 950 pM, about 60 pM to about 900 pM, about 60 pM to about 850 pM, about 60 pM to about 800 pM, about 60 pM to about 750 pM, about 60 pM to about 700 pM, about 60 pM to about 650 pM, about 60 pM to about 600 pM, about 60 pM to about 550 pM, about 60 pM to about 500 pM, about 60 pM to about 450 pM, about 60 pM to about 400 pM, about 60 pM to about 350 pM, about 60 pM to about 300 pM, about 60 pM to about 250 pM, about 60 pM to about 200 pM, about 60 pM to about 150 pM, about 60 pM to about 100 pM, about 60 pM to about 90 pM, about 60 pM to about 80 pM, about 60 pM to about 70 pM, about 70 pM to about 30 nM, about 70 pM to about 25 nM, about 70 pM to about 30 nM, about 70 pM to about 15 nM, about 70 pM to about 10 nM, about 70 pM to about 5 nM, about 70 pM to about 2 nM, about 70 pM to about 1 nM, about 70 pM to about 950 pM, about 70 pM to about 900 pM, about 70 pM to about 850 pM, about 70 pM to about 800 pM, about 70 pM to about 750 pM, about 70 pM to about 700 pM, about 70 pM to about 650 pM, about 70 pM to about 600 pM, about 70 pM to about 550 pM, about 70 pM to about 500 pM, about 70 pM to about 450 pM, about 70 pM to about 400 pM, about 70 pM to about 350 pM, about 70 pM to about 300 pM, about 70 pM to about 250 pM, about 70 pM to about 200 pM, about 70 pM to about 150 pM, about 70 pM to about 100 pM, about 70 pM to about 90 pM, about 70 pM to about 80 pM, about 80 pM to about 30 nM, about 80 pM to about 25 nM, about 80 pM to about 30 nM, about 80 pM to about 15 nM, about 80 pM to about 10 nM, about 80 pM to about 5 nM, about 80 pM to about 2 nM, about 80 pM to about 1 nM, about 80 pM to about 950 pM, about 80 pM to about 900 pM, about 80 pM to about 850 pM, about 80 pM to about 800 pM, about 80 pM to about 750 pM, about 80 pM to about 700 pM, about 80 pM to about 650 pM, about 80 pM to about 600 pM, about 80 pM to about 550 pM, about 80 pM to about 500 pM, about 80 pM to about 450 pM, about 80 pM to about 400 pM, about 80 pM to about 350 pM, about 80 pM to about 300 pM, about 80 pM to about 250 pM, about 80 pM to about 200 pM, about 80 pM to about 150 pM, about 80 pM to about 100 pM, about 80 pM to about 90 pM, about 90 pM to about 30 nM, about 90 pM to about 25 nM, about 90 pM to about 30 nM, about 90 pM to about 15 nM, about 90 pM to about 10 nM, about 90 pM to about 5 nM, about 90 pM to about 2 nM, about 90 pM to about 1 nM, about 90 pM to about 950 pM, about 90 pM to about 900 pM, about 90 pM to about 850 pM, about 90 pM to about 800 pM, about 90 pM to about 750 pM, about 90 pM to about 700 pM, about 90 pM to about 650 pM, about 90 pM to about 600 pM, about 90 pM to about 550 pM, about 90 pM to about 500 pM, about 90 pM to about 450 pM, about 90 pM to about 400 pM, about 90 pM to about 350 pM, about 90 pM to about 300 pM, about 90 pM to about 250 pM, about 90 pM to about 200 pM, about 90 pM to about 150 pM, about 90 pM to about 100 pM, about 100 pM to about 30 nM, about 100 pM to about 25 nM, about 100 pM to about 30 nM, about 100 pM to about 15 nM, about 100 pM to about 10 nM, about 100 pM to about 5 nM, about 100 pM to about 2 nM, about 100 pM to about 1 nM, about 100 pM to about 950 pM, about 100 pM to about 900 pM, about 100 pM to about 850 pM, about 100 pM to about 800 pM, about 100 pM to about 750 pM, about 100 pM to about 700 pM, about 100 pM to about 650 pM, about 100 pM to about 600 pM, about 100 pM to about 550 pM, about 100 pM to about 500 pM, about 100 pM to about 450 pM, about 100 pM to about 400 pM, about 100 pM to about 350 pM, about 100 pM to about 300 pM, about 100 pM to about 250 pM, about 100 pM to about 200 pM, about 100 pM to about 150 pM, about 150 pM to about 30 nM, about 150 pM to about 25 nM, about 150 pM to about 30 nM, about 150 pM to about 15 nM, about 150 pM to about 10 nM, about 150 pM to about 5 nM, about 150 pM to about 2 nM, about 150 pM to about 1 nM, about 150 pM to about 950 pM, about 150 pM to about 900 pM, about 150 pM to about 850 pM, about 150 pM to about 800 pM, about 150 pM to about 750 pM, about 150 pM to about 700 pM, about 150 pM to about 650 pM, about 150 pM to about 600 pM, about 150 pM to about 550 pM, about 150 pM to about 500 pM, about 150 pM to about 450 pM, about 150 pM to about 400 pM, about 150 pM to about 350 pM, about 150 pM to about 300 pM, about 150 pM to about 250 pM, about 150 pM to about 200 pM, about 200 pM to about 30 nM, about 200 pM to about 25 nM, about 200 pM to about 30 nM, about 200 pM to about 15 nM, about 200 pM to about 10 nM, about 200 pM to about 5 nM, about 200 pM to about 2 nM, about 200 pM to about 1 nM, about 200 pM to about 950 pM, about 200 pM to about 900 pM, about 200 pM to about 850 pM, about 200 pM to about 800 pM, about 200 pM to about 750 pM, about 200 pM to about 700 pM, about 200 pM to about 650 pM, about 200 pM to about 600 pM, about 200 pM to about 550 pM, about 200 pM to about 500 pM, about 200 pM to about 450 pM, about 200 pM to about 400 pM, about 200 pM to about 350 pM, about 200 pM to about 300 pM, about 200 pM to about 250 pM, about 300 pM to about 30 nM, about 300 pM to about 25 nM, about 300 pM to about 30 nM, about 300 pM to about 15 nM, about 300 pM to about 10 nM, about 300 pM to about 5 nM, about 300 pM to about 2 nM, about 300 pM to about 1 nM, about 300 pM to about 950 pM, about 300 pM to about 900 pM, about 300 pM to about 850 pM, about 300 pM to about 800 pM, about 300 pM to about 750 pM, about 300 pM to about 700 pM, about 300 pM to about 650 pM, about 300 pM to about 600 pM, about 300 pM to about 550 pM, about 300 pM to about 500 pM, about 300 pM to about 450 pM, about 300 pM to about 400 pM, about 300 pM to about 350 pM, about 400 pM to about 30 nM, about 400 pM to about 25 nM, about 400 pM to about 30 nM, about 400 pM to about 15 nM, about 400 pM to about 10 nM, about 400 pM to about 5 nM, about 400 pM to about 2 nM, about 400 pM to about 1 nM, about 400 pM to about 950 pM, about 400 pM to about 900 pM, about 400 pM to about 850 pM, about 400 pM to about 800 pM, about 400 pM to about 750 pM, about 400 pM to about 700 pM, about 400 pM to about 650 pM, about 400 pM to about 600 pM, about 400 pM to about 550 pM, about 400 pM to about 500 pM, about 500 pM to about 30 nM, about 500 pM to about 25 nM, about 500 pM to about 30 nM, about 500 pM to about 15 nM, about 500 pM to about 10 nM, about 500 pM to about 5 nM, about 500 pM to about 2 nM, about 500 pM to about 1 nM, about 500 pM to about 950 pM, about 500 pM to about 900 pM, about 500 pM to about 850 pM, about 500 pM to about 800 pM, about 500 pM to about 750 pM, about 500 pM to about 700 pM, about 500 pM to about 650 pM, about 500 pM to about 600 pM, about 500 pM to about 550 pM, about 600 pM to about 30 nM, about 600 pM to about 25 nM, about 600 pM to about 30 nM, about 600 pM to about 15 nM, about 600 pM to about 10 nM, about 600 pM to about 5 nM, about 600 pM to about 2 nM, about 600 pM to about 1 nM, about 600 pM to about 950 pM, about 600 pM to about 900 pM, about 600 pM to about 850 pM, about 600 pM to about 800 pM, about 600 pM to about 750 pM, about 600 pM to about 700 pM, about 600 pM to about 650 pM, about 700 pM to about 30 nM, about 700 pM to about 25 nM, about 700 pM to about 30 nM, about 700 pM to about 15 nM, about 700 pM to about 10 nM, about 700 pM to about 5 nM, about 700 pM to about 2 nM, about 700 pM to about 1 nM, about 700 pM to about 950 pM, about 700 pM to about 900 pM, about 700 pM to about 850 pM, about 700 pM to about 800 pM, about 700 pM to about 750 pM, about 800 pM to about 30 nM, about 800 pM to about 25 nM, about 800 pM to about 30 nM, about 800 pM to about 15 nM, about 800 pM to about 10 nM, about 800 pM to about 5 nM, about 800 pM to about 2 nM, about 800 pM to about 1 nM, about 800 pM to about 950 pM, about 800 pM to about 900 pM, about 800 pM to about 850 pM, about 900 pM to about 30 nM, about 900 pM to about 25 nM, about 900 pM to about 30 nM, about 900 pM to about 15 nM, about 900 pM to about 10 nM, about 900 pM to about 5 nM, about 900 pM to about 2 nM, about 900 pM to about 1 nM, about 900 pM to about 950 pM, about 1 nM to about 30 nM, about 1 nM to about 25 nM, about 1 nM to about 20 nM, about 1 nM to about 15 nM, about 1 nM to about 10 nM, about 1 nM to about 5 nM, about 2 nM to about 30 nM, about 2 nM to about 25 nM, about 2 nM to about 20 nM, about 2 nM to about 15 nM, about 2 nM to about 10 nM, about 2 nM to about 5 nM, about 4 nM to about 30 nM, about 4 nM to about 25 nM, about 4 nM to about 20 nM, about 4 nM to about 15 nM, about 4 nM to about 10 nM, about 4 nM to about 5 nM, about 5 nM to about 30 nM, about 5 nM to about 25 nM, about 5 nM to about 20 nM, about 5 nM to about 15 nM, about 5 nM to about 10 nM, about 10 nM to about 30 nM, about 10 nM to about 25 nM, about 10 nM to about 20 nM, about 10 nM to about 15 nM, about 15 nM to about 30 nM, about 15 nM to about 25 nM, about 15 nM to about 20 nM, about 20 nM to about 30 nM, and about 20 nM to about 25 nM).

Any of the target-binding domains described herein can bind to its target with a K_(D) of between about 1 nM to about 10 nM (e.g., about 1 nM to about 9 nM, about 1 nM to about 8 nM, about 1 nM to about 7 nM, about 1 nM to about 6 nM, about 1 nM to about 5 nM, about 1 nM to about 4 nM, about 1 nM to about 3 nM, about 1 nM to about 2 nM, about 2 nM to about 10 nM, about 2 nM to about 9 nM, about 2 nM to about 8 nM, about 2 nM to about 7 nM, about 2 nM to about 6 nM, about 2 nM to about 5 nM, about 2 nM to about 4 nM, about 2 nM to about 3 nM, about 3 nM to about 10 nM, about 3 nM to about 9 nM, about 3 nM to about 8 nM, about 3 nM to about 7 nM, about 3 nM to about 6 nM, about 3 nM to about 5 nM, about 3 nM to about 4 nM, about 4 nM to about 10 nM, about 4 nM to about 9 nM, about 4 nM to about 8 nM, about 4 nM to about 7 nM, about 4 nM to about 6 nM, about 4 nM to about 5 nM, about 5 nM to about 10 nM, about 5 nM to about 9 nM, about 5 nM to about 8 nM, about 5 nM to about 7 nM, about 5 nM to about 6 nM, about 6 nM to about 10 nM, about 6 nM to about 9 nM, about 6 nM to about 8 nM, about 6 nM to about 7 nM, about 7 nM to about 10 nM, about 7 nM to about 9 nM, about 7 nM to about 8 nM, about 8 nM to about 10 nM, about 8 nM to about 9 nM, and about 9 nM to about 10 nM).

A variety of different methods known in the art can be used to determine the K_(D) values of any of the antigen-binding protein constructs described herein (e.g., an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, a filter binding assay, surface plasmon resonance, and a biomolecular binding kinetics assay, etc.).

Antigen-Binding Domains

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to the same antigen. In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to the same epitope. In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain include the same amino acid sequence.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to different antigens.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is an antigen-binding domain. In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain are each an antigen-binding domain.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the antigen-binding domain includes or is a scFv or a single domain antibody (e.g., a V_(H)H or a V_(NAR) domain).

In some examples, an antigen-binding domain (e.g., any of the antigen-binding domains described herein) can bind specifically to any one of CD16a (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,035,026), CD28 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,723,482), CD3 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,226,962), CD33 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,759,494), CD20 (see, e.g., those described in WO 2014/026054), CD19 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,701,758), CD22 (see, e.g., those described in WO 2003/104425), CD123 (see, e.g., those described in WO 2014/130635), IL-1R (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,741,604), IL-1 (see, e.g., those described in WO 2014/095808), VEGF (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,090,684), IL-6R (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,482,436), IL-4 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0171197), IL-10 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0340413), PDL-1 (see, e.g., those described in Drees et al., Protein Express. Purif. 94:60-66, 2014), TIGIT (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0198042), PD-1 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,488,802), TIM3 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,552,156), CTLA4 (see, e.g., those described in WO 2012/120125), MICA (see, e.g., those described in WO 2016/154585), MICB (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,753,640), IL-6 (see, e.g., those described in Gejima et al., Human Antibodies 11(4):121-129, 2002), IL-8 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,980), TNFα (see, e.g., those described in Geng et al., Immunol. Res. 62(3):377-385, 2015), CD26a (see, e.g., those described in WO 2017/189526), CD36 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0259429), ULBP2 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,273,136), CD30 (see, e.g., those described in Homach et al., Scand. J. Immunol. 48(5):497-501, 1998), CD200 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,085,623), IGF-1R (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0051063), MUC4AC (see, e.g., those described in WO 2012/170470), MUC5AC (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,238,084), Trop-2 (see, e.g., those described in WO 2013/068946), CMET (see, e.g., those described in Edwardraja et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng. 106(3):367-375, 2010), EGFR (see, e.g., those described in Akbari et al., Protein Expr. Purif. 127:8-15, 2016), HER1 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0274446), HER2 (see, e.g., those described in Cao et al., Biotechnol. Lett. 37(7):1347-1354, 2015), HERS (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,505,843), PSMA (see, e.g., those described in Parker et al., Protein Expr. Purif. 89(2):136-145, 2013), CEA (see, e.g., those described in WO 1995/015341), B7H3 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,371,395), EPCAM (see, e.g., those described in WO 2014/159531), BCMA (see, e.g., those described in Smith et al., Mol. Ther. 26(6):1447-1456, 2018), P-cadherin (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,452,537), CEACAM5 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,617,345), a UL16-binding protein (see, e.g., those described in WO 2017/083612), HLA-DR (see, e.g., Pistillo et al., Exp. Clin. Immunogenet. 14(2):123-130, 1997), DLL4 (see, e.g., those described in WO 2014/007513), TYRO3 (see, e.g., those described in WO 2016/166348), AXL (see, e.g., those described in WO 2012/175692), MER (see, e.g., those described in WO 2016/106221), CD122 (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367664), CD155 (see, e.g., those described in WO 2017/149538), or PDGFDD (see, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,441,034).

The antigen-binding domains present in any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein are each independently selected from the group consisting of: a VHH domain, a VNAR domain, and a scFv.

In some embodiments, the first target binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and/or one or more of the one or more additional antigen-binding domains can be an anti-CD3 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-CD3 scFv can include a heavy chain variable domain including a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to QVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTRYTMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGYINP SRGYTNYNQKFKDKATLTTDKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAVYYCARYYDDHYCL DYWGQGTTLTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 16) and/or a light chain variable domain including a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to QIVLTQSPAIMSASPGEKVTMTCSASSSVSYMNWYQQKSGTSPKRWIYDTSKLA SGVPAHFRGSGSGTSYSLTISGMEAEDAATYYCQQWSSNPFTFGSGTKLEINR (SEQ ID NO: 17). In some embodiments, a scFv (e.g., any of the scFvs described herein) can include a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between the heavy chain variable domain and the light chain variable domain. In some embodiments, the anti-CD3 scFv can include a heavy chain variable domain encoded by a nucleic acid including a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 18) CAAGTTCAGCTCCAGCAAAGCGGCGCCGAACTCGCTCGGCCCGGCGCTT CCGTGAAGATGTCTTGTAAGGCCTCCGGCTATACCTTCACCCGGTACAC AATGCACTGGGTCAAGCAACGGCCCGGTCAAGGTTTAGAGTGGATTGGC TATATCAACCCCTCCCGGGGCTATACCAACTACAACCAGAAGTTCAAGG ACAAAGCCACCCTCACCACCGACAAGTCCAGCAGCACCGCTTACATGCA GCTGAGCTCTTTAACATCCGAGGATTCCGCCGTGTACTACTGCGCTCGG TACTACGACGATCATTACTGCCTCGATTACTGGGGCCAAGGTACCACCT TAACAGTCTCCTCC, and/or a light chain variable domain encoded by a nucleic acid including a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 19) CAGATCGTGCTGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATTATGAGCGCTAGCCCCGGTG AAAAGGTGACTATGACATGCAGCGCCAGCTCTTCCGTGAGCTACATGAA CTGGTATCAGCAGAAGTCCGGCACCAGCCCTAAAAGGTGGATCTACGAC ACCAGCAAGCTGGCCAGCGGCGTCCCCGCTCACTTTCGGGGCTCCGGCT CCGGAACAAGCTACTCTCTGACCATCAGCGGCATGGAAGCCGAGGATGC CGCTACCTATTACTGTCAGCAGTGGAGCTCCAACCCCTTCACCTTTGGA TCCGGCACCAAGCTCGAGATTAATCGT.

In some embodiments, an anti-CD3 scFv can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to QIVLTQSPAIMSASPGEKVTMTCSASSSVSYMNWYQQKSGTSPKRWIYDTSKLA SGVPAHFRGSGSGTSYSLTISGMEAEDAATYYCQQWSSNPFTFGSGTKLEINRGG GGSGGGGSGGGGSQVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTRYTMEIWVKQ RPGQGLEWIGYINPSRGYTNYNQKFKDKATLTTDKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAV YYCARYYDDHYCLDYWGQGTTLTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 20). In some embodiments, an anti-CD3 scFv can include the six CDRs present in SEQ ID NO: 20.

In some embodiments, an anti-CD3 scFv can include a sequence encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 21) CAGATCGTGCTGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATTATGAGCGCTAGCCCCGGTG AAAAGGTGACTATGACATGCAGCGCCAGCTCTTCCGTGAGCTACATGAA CTGGTATCAGCAGAAGTCCGGCACCAGCCCTAAAAGGTGGATCTACGAC ACCAGCAAGCTGGCCAGCGGCGTCCCCGCTCACTTTCGGGGCTCCGGCT CCGGAACAAGCTACTCTCTGACCATCAGCGGCATGGAAGCCGAGGATGC CGCTACCTATTACTGTCAGCAGTGGAGCTCCAACCCCTTCACCTTTGGA TCCGGCACCAAGCTCGAGATTAATCGTGGAGGCGGAGGTAGCGGAGGAG GCGGATCCGGCGGTGGAGGTAGCCAAGTTCAGCTCCAGCAAAGCGGCGC CGAACTCGCTCGGCCCGGCGCTTCCGTGAAGATGTCTTGTAAGGCCTCC GGCTATACCTTCACCCGGTACACAATGCACTGGGTCAAGCAACGGCCCG GTCAAGGTTTAGAGTGGATTGGCTATATCAACCCCTCCCGGGGCTATAC CAACTACAACCAGAAGTTCAAGGACAAAGCCACCCTCACCACCGACAAG TCCAGCAGCACCGCTTACATGCAGCTGAGCTCTTTAACATCCGAGGATT CCGCCGTGTACTACTGCGCTCGGTACTACGACGATCATTACTGCCTCGA TTACTGGGGCCAAGGTACCACCTTAACAGTCTCCTCC.

In some embodiments, the first target binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and/or one or more of the one or more additional antigen-binding domains can be an anti-CD28 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-CD28 scFv can include a heavy chain variable domain including a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to DIEMTQSPAIMSASLGERVTMTCTASSSVSSSYFHWYQQKPGSSPKLCIYSTSNLA SGVPPRFSGSGSTSYSLTISSMEAEDAATYFCHQYHRSPTFGGGTKLETKR (SEQ ID NO: 22) and/or a light chain variable domain including a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to VQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTSYVIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIGSINPYN DYTKYNEKFKGKATLTSDKSSITAYMEFSSLTSEDSALYYCARWGDGNYWGRG TTLTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 23). In some embodiments, the anti-CD28 scFv can include a heavy chain variable domain encoded by a nucleic acid including a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to GACATCGAGATGACACAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGAGCGCCTCTTTAGGAGAAC GTGTGACCATGACTTGTACAGCTTCCTCCAGCGTGAGCAGCTCCTATTTCCAC TGGTACCAGCAGAAACCCGGCTCCTCCCCTAAACTGTGTATCTACTCCACAA GCAATTTAGCTAGCGGCGTGCCTCCTCGTTTTAGCGGCTCCGGCAGCACCTCT TACTCTTTAACCATTAGCTCTATGGAGGCCGAAGATGCCGCCACATACTTTTG CCATCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCTACCTTTGGCGGAGGCACAAAGCTGGAGACC AAGCGG (SEQ ID NO: 24), and/or a light chain variable domain encoded by a nucleic acid including a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 25) GTGCAGCTGCAGCAGTCCGGACCCGAACTGGTCAAGCCCGGTGCCTCCG TGAAAATGTCTTGTAAGGCTTCTGGCTACACCTTTACCTCCTACGTCAT CCAATGGGTGAAGCAGAAGCCCGGTCAAGGTCTCGAGTGGATCGGCAGC ATCAATCCCTACAACGATTACACCAAGTATAACGAAAAGTTTAAGGGCA AGGCCACTCTGACAAGCGACAAGAGCTCCATTACCGCCTACATGGAGTT TTCCTCTTTAACTTCTGAGGACTCCGCTTTATACTATTGCGCTCGTTGG GGCGATGGCAATTATTGGGGCCGGGGAACTACTTTAACAGTGAGCTCC.

In some embodiments, an anti-CD28 scFv can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to VQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTSYVIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIGSINPYN DYTKYNEKFKGKATLTSDKSSITAYMEFSSLTSEDSALYYCARWGDGNYWGRG TTLTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIEMTQSPAIMSASLGERVTMTCTASSSVSSSY FHWYQQKPGSSPKLCIYSTSNLASGVPPRFSGSGSTSYSLTISSMEAEDAATYFCH QYHRSPTFGGGTKLETKR (SEQ ID NO: 26). In some embodiments, an anti-CD28 scFv can include the six CDRs present in SEQ ID NO: 26.

In some embodiments, an anti-CD28 scFv can include a sequence encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to

(SEQ ID NO: 27) GTGCAGCTGCAGCAGTCCGGACCCGAACTGGTCAAGCCCGGTGCCTCCG TGAAAATGTCTTGTAAGGCTTCTGGCTACACCTTTACCTCCTACGTCAT CCAATGGGTGAAGCAGAAGCCCGGTCAAGGTCTCGAGTGGATCGGCAGC ATCAATCCCTACAACGATTACACCAAGTATAACGAAAAGTTTAAGGGCA AGGCCACTCTGACAAGCGACAAGAGCTCCATTACCGCCTACATGGAGTT TTCCTCTTTAACTTCTGAGGACTCCGCTTTATACTATTGCGCTCGTTGG GGCGATGGCAATTATTGGGGCCGGGGAACTACTTTAACAGTGAGCTCCG GCGGCGGCGGAAGCGGAGGTGGAGGATCTGGCGGTGGAGGCAGCGACAT CGAGATGACACAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGAGCGCCTCTTTAGGAGAACGT GTGACCATGACTTGTACAGCTTCCTCCAGCGTGAGCAGCTCCTATTTCC ACTGGTACCAGCAGAAACCCGGCTCCTCCCCTAAACTGTGTATCTACTC CACAAGCAATTTAGCTAGCGGCGTGCCTCCTCGTTTTAGCGGCTCCGGC AGCACCTCTTACTCTTTAACCATTAGCTCTATGGAGGCCGAAGATGCCG CCACATACTTTTGCCATCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCTACCTTTGGCGGAGG CACAAAGCTGGAGACCAAGCGG.

In some embodiments, any of the antigen-binding domains described herein is a BiTe, a (scFv)₂, a nanobody, a nanobody-HSA, a DART, a TandAb, a scDiabody, a scDiabody-CH3, scFv-CH-CL-scFv, a HSAbody, scDiabody-HAS, or a tandem-scFv. Additional examples of antigen-binding domains that can be used in any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide are known in the art.

A VHH domain is a single monomeric variable antibody domain that can be found in camelids. A V_(NAR) domain is a single monomeric variable antibody domain that can be found in cartilaginous fish. Non-limiting aspects of VHH domains and V_(NAR) domains are described in, e.g., Cromie et al., Curr Top. Med. Chem. 15:2543-2557, 2016; De Genst et al., Dev. Comp. Immunol. 30:187-198, 2006; De Meyer et al., Trends Biotechnol. 32:263-270, 2014; Kijanka et al., Nanomedicine 10:161-174, 2015; Kovaleva et al., Expert. Opin. Biol. Ther 14:1527-1539, 2014; Krah et al., Immunopharmacol. Immunotoxicol. 38:21-28, 2016; Mujic-Delic et al., Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 35:247-255, 2014; Muyldermans, J. Biotechnol. 74:277-302, 2001; Muyldermans et al., Trends Biochem. Sci. 26:230-235, 2001; Muyldermans, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 82:775-797, 2013; Rahbarizadeh et al., Immunol. Invest. 40:299-338, 2011; Van Audenhove et al., EBioMedicine 8:40-48, 2016; Van Bockstaele et al., Curr Opin. Investig. Drugs 10:1212-1224, 2009; Vincke et al., Methods Mol. Biol. 911:15-26, 2012; and Wesolowski et al., Med. Microbiol. Immunol. 198:157-174, 2009.

In some embodiments, each of the antigen-binding domains in the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein are both VHH domains, or at least one antigen-binding domain is a VHH domain. In some embodiments, each of the antigen-binding domains in the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein are both VNAR domains, or at least one antigen-binding domain is a VNAR domain. In some embodiments, each of the antigen-binding domains in the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein are both scFv domains, or at least one antigen-binding domain is a scFv domain. DARTs are described in, e.g., Garber, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 13:799-801, 2014.

In some embodiments of any of the antigen-binding domains described herein can bind to an antigen selected from the group consisting of: a protein, a carbohydrate, a lipid, and a combination thereof.

Additional examples and aspects of antigen-binding domains are known in the art.

Soluble Interleukin or Cytokine Protein

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain can be a soluble interleukin protein, soluble cytokine protein, or soluble cell surface protein. In some embodiments, the soluble interleukin or soluble cytokine protein, is selected from the group of: IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21, PDGF-DD, SCF, FLT3L. Non-limiting examples of soluble IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21, PDGF-DD, SCF, and FLT3L are provided below.

Human Soluble IL-2  (SEQ ID NO: 28) aptssstkkt qlqlehllld lqmilnginn yknpkltrml  tfkfympkka telkhlqcle eelkpleevl nlaqsknfhl  rprdlisnin vivlelkgse ttfmceyade tativeflnr witfcqsiis tlt Human Soluble IL-3  (SEQ ID NO: 29) apmtqttplkt swvncsnmid eiithlkqpp lplldfnnln  gedqdilmen nlrrpnleaf nravkslqna saiesilknl lpclplataa ptrhpihikd gdwnefrrkl tfylktlena qaqqttlsla if Human Soluble IL-7  (SEQ ID NO: 30) dcdiegkdgkqyesv lmvsidqlld smkeigsncl nnefnffkrh  icdankegmf lfraarklrq flkmnstgdf dlhllkvseg ttillnctgq vkgrkpaalg eaqptkslee nkslkeqkkl  ndlcflkrll qeiktcwnki lmgtkeh Human Soluble IL-8  (SEQ ID NO: 31) egavlprsak elrcqcikty skpfhpkfik elrviesgph  canteiivkl sdgrelcldp kenwvqrvve kflkraens Human Soluble IL-10  (SEQ ID NO: 32) spgqgtqsensc thfpgnlpnm lrdlrdafsr vktffqmkdq  ldnlllkesl ledfkgylgc qalsemiqfy leevmpqaen  qdpdikahvn slgenlktlr lrlrrchrfl pcenkskave  qvknafnklq ekgiykamse fdifinyiea ymtmkirn Human Soluble IL-12β (p40)  (SEQ ID NO: 33) IWELKKDVYVVELDWYPDAPGEMVVLTCDTPEEDGITWTLDQSSEVLG SGKTLTIQVKEFGDAGQYTCHKGGEVLSHSLLLLHKKEDGIWSTDILK DQKEPKNKTFLRCEAKNYSGRFTCWWLTTISTDLTFSVKSSRGSSDPQ GVTCGAATLSAERVRGDNKEYEYSVECQEDSACPAAEESLPIEVMVDA VHKLKYENYTSSFFIRDIIKPDPPKNLQLKPLKNSRQVEVSWEYPDTW STPHSYFSLTFCVQVQGKSKREKKDRVFTDKTSATVICRKNASISVRA QDRYYSSSWSEWASVPCS Nucleic Acid Encoding Human Soluble IL-12β (p40)  (SEQ ID NO: 34) ATTTGGGAACTGAAGAAGGACGTCTACGTGGTCGAACTGGACTGGTAT CCCGATGCTCCCGGCGAAATGGTGGTGCTCACTTGTGACACCCCCGAA GAAGACGGCATCACTTGGACCCTCGATCAGAGCAGCGAGGTGCTGGGC TCCGGAAAGACCCTCACAATCCAAGTTAAGGAGTTCGGAGACGCTGGC CAATACACATGCCACAAGGGAGGCGAGGTGCTCAGCCATTCCTTATTA TTATTACACAAGAAGGAAGACGGAATCTGGTCCACCGACATTTTAAAA GATCAGAAGGAGCCCAAGAATAAGACCTTTTTAAGGTGTGAGGCCAAA AACTACAGCGGTCGTTTCACTTGTTGGTGGCTGACCACCATTTCCACC GATTTAACCTTCTCCGTGAAAAGCAGCCGGGGAAGCTCCGACCCTCAA GGTGTGACATGTGGAGCCGCTACCCTCAGCGCTGAGAGGGTTCGTGGC GATAACAAGGAATACGAGTACAGCGTGGAGTGCCAAGAAGATAGCGCT TGTCCCGCTGCCGAAGAATCTTTACCCATTGAGGTGATGGTGGACGCC GTGCACAAACTCAAGTACGAGAACTACACCTCCTCCTTCTTTATCCGG GACATCATTAAGCCCGATCCTCCTAAGAATTTACAGCTGAAGCCTCTC AAAAATAGCCGGCAAGTTGAGGTCTCTTGGGAATATCCCGACACTTGG AGCACACCCCACAGCTACTTCTCTTTAACCTTTTGTGTGCAAGTTCAA GGTAAAAGCAAGCGGGAGAAGAAAGACCGGGTGTTTACCGACAAAACC AGCGCCACCGTCATCTGTCGGAAGAACGCCTCCATCAGCGTGAGGGCT CAAGATCGTTATTACTCCAGCAGCTGGTCCGAGTGGGCCAGCGTGCCT TGTTCC Human Soluble IL-12α (p35)  (SEQ ID NO: 35) RNLPVATPDPGMFPCLHHSQNLLRAVSNMLQKARQTLEFYPCTSEEID HEDITKDKTSTVEACLPLELTKNESCLNSRETSFITNGSCLASRKTSF MMALCLSSIYEDLKMYQVEFKTMNAKLLMDPKRQIFLDQNMLAVIDEL MQALNFNSETVPQKSSLEEPDFYKTKIKLCILLHAFRIRAVTIDRVMS YLNAS Nucleic Acid Encoding Human Soluble IL-12α (p35)  (SEQ ID NO: 36) CGTAACCTCCCCGTGGCTACCCCCGATCCCGGAATGTTCCCTTGTTTA CACCACAGCCAGAATTTACTGAGGGCCGTGAGCAACATGCTGCAGAAA GCTAGGCAGACTTTAGAATTTTACCCTTGCACCAGCGAGGAGATCGAC CATGAAGATATCACCAAGGACAAGACTCCACCGTGGAGGCTTGTTTAC CTCTGGAGCTGACAAAGAACGAGTCTTGTCTCAACTCTCGTGAAACCA AGCTTCATCACAAATGGCTCTTGTTTAGCTTCCCGGAAGACCTCCTTT ATGATGGCTTTATGCCTCAGCTCCATCTACGAGGATTTAAAGATGTAC CAAGTGGAGTTCAAGACCATGAACGCCAAGCTGCTCATGGACCCTAAA CGGCAGATCTTTTTAGACCAGAACATGCTGGCTGTGATTGATGAGCTG ATGCAAGCTTTAAACTTCAACTCCGAGACCGTCCCTCAGAAGTCCTCC CTCGAGGAGCCCGATTTTTACAAGACAAAGATCAAACTGTGCATTTTA CTCCAGCCTTTAGGATCCGGGCCGTGACCATTGACCGGGTCATGAGCT ATTTAAACGCCAGC Exemplary Human Soluble IL-12  (SEQ ID NO: 37) IWELKKDVYVVELDWYPDAPGEMVVLTCDTPEEDGITWTLDQSSEVLG SGKTLTIQVKEFGDAGQYTCHKGGEVLSHSLLLLHKKEDGIWSTDILK DQKEPKNKTFLRCEAKNYSGRFTCWWLTTISTDLTFSVKSSRGSSDPQ GVTCGAATLSAERVRGDNKEYEYSVECQEDSACPAAEESLPIEVMVDA VHKLKYENYTSSFFIRDIIKPDPPKNLQLKPLKNSRQVEVSWEYPDTW STPHSYFSLTFCVQVQGKSKREKKDRVFTDKTSATVICRKNASISVRA QDRYYSSSWSEWASVPCSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSRNLPVATPDPGMFPC LHHSQNLLRAVSNMLQKARQTLEFYPCTSEEIDHEDITKDKTSTVEAC LPLELTKNESCLNSRETSFITNGSCLASRKTSFMMALCLSSIYEDLKM YQVEFKTMNAKLLMDPKRQIFLDQNMLAVIDELMQALNFNSETVPQKS SLEEPDFYKTKIKLCILLHAFRIRAVTIDRVMSYLNAS Nucleic Acid Encoding Exemplary Human Soluble   IL-12 (SEQ ID NO: 38) ATTTGGGAACTGAAGAAGGACGTCTACGTGGTCGAACTGGACTGGTAT CCCGATGCTCCCGGCGAAATGGTGGTGCTCACTTGTGACACCCCCGAA GAAGACGGCATCACTTGGACCCTCGATCAGAGCAGCGAGGTGCTGGGC TCCGGAAAGACCCTCACAATCCAAGTTAAGGAGTTCGGAGACGCTGGC CAATACACATGCCACAAGGGAGGCGAGGTGCTCAGCCATTCCTTATTA TTATTACACAAGAAGGAAGACGGAATCTGGTCCACCGACATTTTAAAA GATCAGAAGGAGCCCAAGAATAAGACCTTTTTAAGGTGTGAGGCCAAA AACTACAGCGGTCGTTTCACTTGTTGGTGGCTGACCACCATTTCCACC GATTTAACCTTCTCCGTGAAAAGCAGCCGGGGAAGCTCCGACCCTCAA GGTGTGACATGTGGAGCCGCTACCCTCAGCGCTGAGAGGGTTCGTGGC GATAACAAGGAATACGAGTACAGCGTGGAGTGCCAAGAAGATAGCGCT TGTCCCGCTGCCGAAGAATCTTTACCCATTGAGGTGATGGTGGACGCC GTGCACAAACTCAAGTACGAGAACTACACCTCCTCCTTCTTTATCCGG GACATCATTAAGCCCGATCCTCCTAAGAATTTACAGCTGAAGCCTCTC AAAAATAGCCGGCAAGTTGAGGTCTCTTGGGAATATCCCGACACTTGG AGCACACCCCACAGCTACTTCTCTTTAACCTTTTGTGTGCAAGTTCAA GGTAAAAGCAAGCGGGAGAAGAAAGACCGGGTGTTTACCGACAAAACC AGCGCCACCGTCATCTGTCGGAAGAACGCCTCCATCAGCGTGAGGGCT CAAGATCGTTATTACTCCAGCAGCTGGTCCGAGTGGGCCAGCGTGCCT TGTTCCGGCGGTGGAGGATCCGGAGGAGGTGGCTCCGGCGGCGGAGGA TCTCGTAACCTCCCCGTGGCTACCCCCGATCCCGGAATGTTCCCTTGT TTACACCACAGCCAGAATTTACTGAGGGCCGTGAGCAACATGCTGCAG AAAGCTAGGCAGACTTTAGAATTTTACCCTTGCACCAGCGAGGAGATC GACCATGAAGATATCACCAAGGACAAGACATCCACCGTGGAGGCTTGT TTACCTCTGGAGCTGACAAAGAACGAGTCTTGTCTCAACTCTCGTGAA ACCAGCTTCATCACAAATGGCTCTTGTTTAGCTTCCCGGAAGACCTCC TTTATGATGGCTTTATGCCTCAGCTCCATCTACGAGGATTTAAAGATG TACCAAGTGGAGTTCAAGACCATGAACGCCAAGCTGCTCATGGACCCT AAACGGCAGATCTTTTTAGACCAGAACATGCTGGCTGTGATTGATGAG CTGATGCAAGCTTTAAACTTCAACTCCGAGACCGTCCCTCAGAAGTCC TCCCTCGAGGAGCCCGATTTTTACAAGACAAAGATCAAACTGTGCATT TTACTCCACGCCTTTAGGATCCGGGCCGTGACCATTGACCGGGTCATG AGCTATTTAAACGCCAGC Human Soluble IL-15  (SEQ ID NO: 39) Nwvnvisdlkki edliqsmhid atlytesdvh psckvtamkc  fllelqvisl esgdasihdt venliilann slssngnvte  sgckeceele eknikeflqs fvhivqmfin ts Human Soluble IL-17  (SEQ ID NO: 40) gitiprn pgcpnsedkn fprtvmvnln ihnrntntnp  krssdyynrs tspwnlhrne dperypsviw eakcrhlgci  nadgnvdyhm nsvpiqqeil vlrrepphcp nsfrlekilv  svgctcvtpi vhhva Human Soluble IL-18  (SEQ ID NO: 41) YFGKLESKLSVIRNLNDQVLFIDQGNRPLFEDMTDSDCRDNAPRTIFI ISMYKDSQPRGMAVTISVKCEKISTLSCENKIISFKEMNPPDNIKDTK SDIIFFQRSVPGHDNKMQFESSSYEGYFLACEKERDLFKLILKKEDEL GDRSIMFTVQNED Nucleic Acid Encoding Human Soluble IL-18  (SEQ ID NO: 42) TACTTCGGCAAACTGGAATCCAAGCTGAGCGTGATCCGGAATTTAAAC GACCAAGTTCTGTTTATCGATCAAGGTAACCGGCCTCTGTTCGAGGAC ATGACCGACTCCGATTGCCGGGACAATGCCCCCCGGACCATCTTCATT ATCTCCATGTACAAGGACAGCCAGCCCCGGGGCATGGCTGTGACAATT AGCGTGAAGTGTGAGAAAATCAGCACTTTATCTTGTGAGAACAAGATC ATCTCCTTTAAGGAAATGAACCCCCCCGATAACATCAAGGACACCAAG TCCGATATCATCTTCTTCCAGCGGTCCGTGCCCGGTCACGATAACAAG ATGCAGTTCGAATCCTCCTCCTACGAGGGCTACTTTTTAGCTTGTGAA AAGGAGAGGGATTTATTCAAGCTGATCCTCAAGAAGGAGGACGAGCTG GGCGATCGTTCCATCATGTTCACCGTCCAAAACGAGGAT Human Soluble IL-21  (SEQ ID NO: 43) QGQDRHMIRMRQLIDIVDQLKNYVNDLVPEFLPAPEDVETNCEWSAFS CFQKAQLKSANTGNNERIINVSIKKLKRKPPSTNAGRRQKHRLTCPSC DSYEKKPPKEFLERFKSLLQKMIHQHLSSRTHGSEDS Nucleic Acid Encoding Human Soluble IL-21  (SEQ ID NO: 44) CAGGGCCAGGACAGGCACATGATCCGGATGAGGCAGCTCATCGACATC GTCGACCAGCTGAAGAACTACGTGAACGACCTGGTGCCCGAGTTTCTG CCTGCCCCCGAGGACGTGGAGACCAACTGCGAGTGGTCCGCCTTCTCC TGCTTTCAGAAGGCCCAGCTGAAGTCCGCCAACACCGGCAACAACGAG CGGACATCAACGTGAGCATCAAGAAGCTGAAGCGGAAGCCTCCCTCCA CAAACGCCGGCAGGAGGCAGAAGCACAGGCTGACCTGCCCCAGCTGTG ACTCCTACGAGAAGAAGCCCCCCAAGGAGTTCCTGGAGAGGTTCAAGT CCCTGCTGCAGAAGATGATCCATCAGCACCTGTCCTCCAGGACCCACG GCTCCGAGGACTCC Human Soluble PDGF-DD  (SEQ ID NO: 45) rdtsatpqsasi kalrnanlrr desnhltdly rrdetiqvkg  ngyvqsprfp nsyprnlllt wrlhsqentr iqlvfdnqfg leeaendicr ydfvevedis etstiirgrw cghkevppri  ksrtnqikit fksddyfvak pgfkiyysll edfqpaaase  tnwesvtssi sgvsynspsv tdptliadal dkkiaefdtv edllkyfnpe swqedlenmy ldtpryrgrs yhdrkskvdl  drlnddakry sctprnysvn ireelklanv vffprcllvq rcggncgcgt vnwrsctcns gktvkkyhev lqfepghikr rgraktmalv diqldhherc dcicssrppr Human Soluble SCF  (SEQ ID NO: 46) egicrnrytnnvkdv tklvanlpkd ymitlkyvpg mdvlpshcwi  semvvqlsds ltdlldkfsn iseglsnysi idklvnivdd   lvecvkenss kdlkksfksp eprlftpeef frifnrsida  fkdfvvaset sdcvvsstls pekdsrvsvt kpfmlppvaa  sslrndssss nrkaknppgd sslhwaamal palfsliigf afgalywkkr qpsltraven iqineednei smlqekeref qev Human Soluble FLT3L  (SEQ ID NO: 47) tqdcsfqhspissd favkirelsd yllqdypvtv asnlqdeelc  gglwrlvlaq rwmerlktva gskmqgller vnteihfvtk cafqpppscl rfvqtnisrl lqetseqlva lkpwitrqnf srclelqcqp dsstlpppws prpleatapt apqpplllll  llpvgallll aawclhwqrt rrrtprpgeq vppvpspqdl llveh

Exemplary soluble cell surface proteins include soluble MICA, MICB, and a ULP16 binding protein (e.g., ULBP1, ULBP2, ULBP3, ULBP4, ULBP5, or ULBP6). Exemplary sequences for soluble MICA, MICB, ULBP1, ULBP2, ULBP3, ULBP4, ULBP5, and ULBP6 are listed below.

Human Soluble MICA (SEQ ID NO: 48) ephslry nltvlswdgs vqsgfltevh ldgqpflrcd rqkcrakpqg qwaedvlgnk twdretrdlt gngkdlrmtl ahikdqkegl hslqeirvce ihednstrss qhfyydgelf lsqnletkew tmpqssraqt lamnvrnflk edamktkthy hamhadclqe lrrylksgvv lrrtvppmvn vtrseasegn itvtcrasgf ypwnitlswr qdgvslshdt qqwgdvlpdg ngtyqtwvat ricqgeeqrf tcymehsgnh sthpvpsgkv lvlqshwqtf hvsavaaaai fviiifyvrc ckkktsaaeg pelvslqvld qhpvgtsdhr datqlgfqpl msdlgstgst ega Human Soluble MICH (SEQ ID NO: 49) aephslry nlmvlsqdes vqsgflaegh ldgqpflryd rqkrrakpqg qwaedvlgak twdtetedlt engqdlrrtl thikdqkggl hslqeirvce ihedsstrgs rhfyydgelf lsqnletqes tvpqssraqt lamnvtnfwk edamktkthy ramqadclqk lqrylksgva irrtvppmvn vtcsevsegn itvtcrassf yprnitltwr qdgvslshnt qqwgdvlpdg ngtyqtwvat rirqgeeqrf tcymehsgnh gthpvpsgkv lvlqsqrtdf pyvsaampcf viiiilcvpc ckkktsaaeg pelvslqvld qhpvgtgdhr daaqlgfqpl msatgstgst ega Human Soluble ULBP1 (SEQ ID NO: 50) wvdthclcydfiit pksrpepqwc evqglvderp flhydcvnhk akafaslgkk vnvtktweeq tetlrdvvdf lkgqlldiqv enlipieplt lqarmscehe ahghgrgswq flfngqkfll fdsnnrkwta lhpgakkmte kweknrdvtm ffqkislgdc kmwleeflmy weqmldptkp pslapg Human Soluble ULBP2 (SEQ ID NO: 51) gradphslcyditvi pkfrpgprwc avqgqvdekt flhydcgnkt vtpvsplgkk lnvttawkaq npvlrevvdi lteqlrdiql enytpkeplt lqarmsceqk aeghssgswq fsfdgqifll fdsekrmwtt vhpgarkmke kwendkvvam sfhyfsmgdc igwledflmg mdstlepsag aplams Human Soluble ULBP3 (SEQ ID NO: 52) dahslwynfti ihlprhgqqw cevqsqvdqk nflsydcgsd kvlsmghlee qlyatdawgk qlemlrevgq rlrleladte ledftpsgpl tlqvrmscec eadgyirgsw qfsfdgrkfl lfdsnnrkwt vvhagarrmk ekwekdsglt tffkmvsmrd ckswlrdflm hrkkrlepta pptmapg Human Soluble ULBP4 (SEQ ID NO: 53) hslcfnftik slsrpgqpwc eaqvflnknl flqynsdnnm vkplgllgkk vyatstwgel tqtlgevgrd lrmllcdikp qiktsdpstl qvemfcgrea erctgaswqf atngeksllf damnmtwtvi nheaskiket wkkdrgleky frklskgdcd hwlreflghw eampeptvsp vnasdihwss sslpdrwiil gafillvlmg ivlicvwwqn gewqaglwpl rts Human Soluble ULBP5 (SEQ ID NO: 54) gladp hslcyditvi pkfrpgprw avqgqvdekt flhydcgskt vtpvsplgkk lnvttawkaq npvlrevvdi lteqlldiql enyipkeplt lqarmsceqk aeghgsgswq lsfdgqifll fdsenrmwtt vhpgarkmke kwendkdmtm sfhyismgdc tgwledflmg mdstlepsag apptmssg Human Soluble ULBP6 (SEQ ID NO: 55) rrddp hslcyditvi pkfrpgprwc avqgqvdekt flhydcgnkt vtpvsplgkk lnvtmawkaq npvlrevvdi lteqlldiql enytpkeplt lqarmsceqk aeghssgswq fsidgqtfll fdsekrmwtt vhpgarkmke kwendkdvam sfhyismgdc igwledflmg mdstlepsag aplamssg

In some embodiments, a soluble IL-12 protein can include a first sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to SEQ ID NO: 33, and a second sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to SEQ ID NO: 35. In some embodiments, the soluble IL-12 can further include a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between the first sequence and the second sequence.

In some embodiments, a soluble IL-12 protein is encoded by a first nucleic acid encoding a first sequence at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to SEQ ID NO: 34, and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a second sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to SEQ ID NO: 36. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding a soluble IL-12 protein further includes a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between the first nucleic acid and the second nucleic acid.

In some embodiments, a soluble IL-12 protein includes a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to SEQ ID NO: 37. In some embodiments, a soluble IL-12 protein is encoded by a nucleic acid including a sequence at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to SEQ ID NO: 38.

In some embodiments, a soluble IL-18 protein can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to SEQ ID NO: 41. In some embodiments, a soluble IL-18 protein is encoded by a nucleic acid including a sequence at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to SEQ ID NO: 42.

In some embodiments, a soluble IL-21 protein can include a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to SEQ ID NO: 43. In some embodiments, a soluble IL-21 protein is encoded by a nucleic acid including a sequence at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to SEQ ID NO: 44.

Additional examples of soluble interleukin proteins and soluble cytokine proteins are known in the art.

Soluble Receptor

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble interleukin receptor, a soluble cytokine receptor, or a soluble cell surface receptor. In some embodiments, the soluble receptor is a soluble TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII) (see, e.g., those described in Yung et al., Am. J. Resp. Crit. Care Med. 194(9):1140-1151, 2016), a soluble TGF-βRIII (see, e.g., those described in Heng et al., Placenta 57:320, 2017), or a soluble NKG2D (see, e.g., Cosman et al., Immunity 14(2):123-133, 2001; Costa et al., Front. Immunol., Vol. 9, Article 1150, May 29, 2018; doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01150). In some embodiments, the soluble cell surface receptor is a soluble NKp30 (see, e.g., Costa et al., Front. Immunol., Vol. 9, Article 1150, May 29, 2018; doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01150), a soluble NKp44 (see, e.g., those described in Costa et al., Front. Immunol., Vol. 9, Article 1150, May 29, 2018; doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01150), a soluble NKp46 (see, e.g., Mandelboim et al., Nature 409:1055-1060, 2001; Costa et al., Front. Immunol., Vol. 9, Article 1150, May 29, 2018; doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01150), a soluble DNAM1 (see, e.g., those described in Costa et al., Front. Immunol., Vol. 9, Article 1150, May 29, 2018; doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01150), a scMHCI (see, e.g., those described in Washburn et al., PLoS One 6(3):e18439, 2011), a scMHCII (see, e.g., those described in Bishwajit et al., Cellular Immunol. 170(1):25-33, 1996), a scTCR (see, e.g., those described in Weber et al., Nature 356(6372):793-796, 1992), a soluble CD155 (see, e.g., those described in Tahara-Hanaoka et al., Int. Immunol. 16(4):533-538, 2004), or a soluble CD28 (see, e.g., Hebbar et al., Clin. Exp. Immunol. 136:388-392, 2004).

In some embodiments, a soluble TGFβRII receptor can include a first sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to: IPPHVQKSVNNDMIVTDNNGAVKFPQLCKFCDVRFSTCDNQKSCMSNCSITSICE KPQEVCVAVWRKNDENITLETVCHDPKLPYHDFILEDAASPKCIMKEKKKPGET FFMCSCSSDECNDNIIFSEEYNTSNPD (SEQ ID NO: 56), and a second sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to: IPPHVQKSVNNDMIVTDNNGAVKFPQLCKFCDVRFSTCDNQKSCMSNCSITSICE KPQEVCVAVWRKNDENITLETVCHDPKLPYHDFILEDAASPKCIMKEKKKPGET FFMCSCSSDECNDNIIFSEEYNTSNPD (SEQ ID NO: 56). In some embodiments, the soluble TGFβRII receptor can further include a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between the first sequence and the second sequence.

In some embodiments, a soluble TGFβRII receptor is encoded by a first nucleic acid encoding a first sequence at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to: ATCCCCCCCCATGTGCAAAAGAGCGTGAACAACGATATGATCGTGACCGACA ACAACGGCGCCGTGAAGTTTCCCCAGCTCTGCAAGTTCTGCGATGTCAGGTTC AGCACCTGCGATAATCAGAAGTCCTGCATGTCCAACTGCACGATCACCTCCA TCTGCGAGAAGCCCCAAGAAGTGTGCGTGGCCGTGTGGCGGAAAAATGACG AGAACATCACCCTGGAGACCGTGTGTCACGACCCCAAGCTCCCTTATCACGA CTTCATTCTGGAGGACGCTGCCTCCCCCAAATGCATCATGAAGGAGAAGAAG AAGCCCGGAGAGACCTTCTTTATGTGTTCCTGTAGCAGCGACGAGTGTAACG ACAACATCATCTTCAGCGAAGAGTACAACACCAGCAACCCTGAT (SEQ ID NO: 57), and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a second sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to: ATCCCCCCCCATGTGCAAAAGAGCGTGAACAACGATATGATCGTGACCGACA ACAACGGCGCCGTGAAGTTTCCCCAGCTCTGCAAGTTCTGCGATGTCAGGTTC AGCACCTGCGATAATCAGAAGTCCTGCATGTCCAACTGCACGATCACCTCCA TCTGCGAGAAGCCCCAAGAAGTGTGCGTGGCCGTGTGGCGGAAAAATGACG AGAACATCACCCTGGAGACCGTGTGTCACGACCCCAAGCTCCCTTATCACGA CTTCATTCTGGAGGACGCTGCCTCCCCCAAATGCATCATGAAGGAGAAGAAG AAGCCCGGAGAGACCTTCTTTATGTGTTCCTGTAGCAGCGACGAGTGTAACG ACAACATCATCTTCAGCGAAGAGTACAACACCAGCAACCCTGAT (SEQ ID NO: 57). In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding a soluble TGFβRII receptor further includes a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between the first nucleic acid and the second nucleic acid.

In some embodiments, a soluble TGFβRII receptor includes a sequence that is at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to: IPPHVQKSVNNDMIVTDNNGAVKFPQLCKFCDVRFSTCDNQKSCMSNCSITSICE KPQEVCVAVWRKNDENITLETVCHDPKLPYHDFILEDAASPKCIMKEKKKPGET FFMCSCSSDECNDNIIFSEEYNTSNPDGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSIPPHVQKSVNNDM IVTDNNGAVKFPQLCKFCDVRFSTCDNQKSCMSNCSITSICEKPQEVCVAVWRK NDENITLETVCHDPKLPYHDFILEDAASPKCIMKEKKKPGETFFMCSCSSDECND NIIFSEEYNTSNPD (SEQ ID NO: 60). In some embodiments, a soluble TGFβRII receptor is encoded by a nucleic acid including a sequence at least 70% identical (e.g., at least 75% identical, at least 80% identical, at least 85% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 95% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 61) ATCCCCCCCCATGTGCAAAAGAGCGTGAACAACGATATGATCGTGACC GACAACAACGGCGCCGTGAAGTTTCCCCAGCTCTGCAAGTTCTGCGAT GTCAGGTTCAGCACCTGCGATAATCAGAAGTCCTGCATGTCCAACTGC ACGATCACCTCCATCTGCGAGAAGCCCCAAGAAGTGTGCGTGGCCGTG TGGCGGAAAAATGACGAGAACATCACCCTGGAGACCGTGTGTCACGAC CCCAAGCTCCCTTATCACGACTTCATTCTGGAGGACGCTGCCTCCCCC AAATGCATCATGAAGGAGAAGAAGAAGCCCGGAGAGACCTTCTTTATG TGTTCCTGTAGCAGCGACGAGTGTAACGACAACATCATCTTCAGCGAA GAGTACAACACCAGCAACCCTGATGGAGGTGGCGGATCCGGAGGTGGA GGTTCTGGTGGAGGTGGGAGTATTCCTCCCCACGTGCAGAAGAGCGTG AATAATGACATGATCGTGACCGATAACAATGGCGCCGTGAAATTTCCC CAGCTGTGCAAATTCTGCGATGTGAGGTTTTCCACCTGCGACAACCAG AAGTCCTGTATGAGCAACTGCACAATCACCTCCATCTGTGAGAAGCCT CAGGAGGTGTGCGTGGCTGTCTGGCGGAAGAATGACGAGAATATCACC CTGGAAACCGTCTGCCACGATCCCAAGCTGCCCTACCACGATTTCATC CTGGAAGACGCCGCCAGCCCTAAGTGCATCATGAAAGAGAAAAAGAAG CCTGGCGAGACCTTTTTCATGTGCTCCTGCAGCAGCGACGAATGCAAC GACAATATCATCTTTAGCGAGGAATACAATACCAGCAACCCCGAC.

Additional examples of soluble interleukin receptors and soluble cytokine receptors are known in the art.

Additional Antigen-Binding Domains

Some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein can further include one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at its N- and/or C-terminus.

In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptides can include one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at its N-terminus. In some embodiments, one of the one or more additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at the N-terminus of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide can directly abut the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), or the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein). In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further includes a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between one of the at least one additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at the N-terminus of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide and the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), or the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein).

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at its C-terminus. In some embodiments, one of the one or more additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at the C-terminus of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide directly abuts the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), or the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein or known in the art). In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between one of the at least one additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at the C-terminus of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide and the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), or the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein).

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprises one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) additional target binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at its N-terminus and its C-terminus. In some embodiments, one of the one or more additional antigen binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at the N-terminus of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide directly abuts the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), or the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein). In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further includes a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between one of the one or more additional antigen-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at the N-terminus and the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), or the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains). In some embodiments, one of the one or more additional antigen binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at the C-terminus directly abuts the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), or the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains). In some embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further includes a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linker sequences described herein or known in the art) between one of the one or more additional antigen-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) at the C-terminus and the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), or the soluble tissue factor domain (e.g., any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein).

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, two or more (e.g., three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) of the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), and the one or more additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) bind specifically to the same antigen. In some embodiments, two or more (e.g., three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) of the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), and the one or more additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) bind specifically to the same epitope. In some embodiments, two or more (e.g., three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) of the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), and the one or more additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) include the same amino acid sequence.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), and the one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) each bind specifically to the same antigen. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), and the one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) each bind specifically to the same epitope. In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) additional target-binding domains each comprise the same amino acid sequence.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), and the one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) bind specifically to different antigens.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides, one or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more target-binding domains is an antigen-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary antigen-binding domains described herein or known in the art). In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains are each an antigen-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary antigen-binding domains described herein or known in the art). In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain can include a scFv or a single domain antibody.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten) of the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), and the one or more target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) bind specifically to a target selected from the group consisting of: CD16a, CD28, CD3, CD33, CD20, CD19, CD22, CD123, IL-1R, IL-1, VEGF, IL-6R, IL-4, IL-10, PDL-1, TIGIT, PD-1, TIM3, CTLA4, MICA, MICB, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CD26a, CD36, ULBP2, CD30, CD200, IGF-1R, MUC4AC, MUC5AC, Trop-2, CMET, EGFR, HER1, HER2, HER3, PSMA, CEA, B7H3, EPCAM, BCMA, P-cadherin, CEACAM5, a UL16-binding protein, HLA-DR, DLL4, TYR03, AXL, MER, CD122, CD155, PDGF-DD, a ligand of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a ligand of TGF-βRIII, a ligand of DNAM1, a ligand of NKp46, a ligand of NKp44, a ligand of NKG2D, a ligand of NKp30, a ligand for a scMHCI, a ligand for a scMHCII, a ligand for a scTCR, a receptor for IL-1, a receptor for IL-2, a receptor for IL-3, a receptor for IL-7, a receptor for IL-8, a receptor for IL-10, a receptor for IL-12, a receptor for IL-15, a receptor for IL-17, a receptor for IL-18, a receptor for IL-21, a receptor for PDGF-DD, a receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), a receptor for stem cell-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), a receptor for MICA, a receptor for MICB, a receptor for a ULP16-binding protein, a receptor for CD155, a receptor for CD122, and a receptor for CD28.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, one or more of the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), and the one or more additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) is a soluble interleukin, a soluble cytokine protein, or a soluble cell surface protein. Non-limiting examples of soluble interleukin proteins and soluble cytokine proteins include: IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21, PDGF-DD, SCF, and FLT3L. Non-limiting examples of soluble cell surface proteins include: MICA, MICB, and a ULP16-binding protein.

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, one or more of the first target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), the second target-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art), and the one or more additional target-binding domains (e.g., any of the exemplary target-binding domains described herein or known in the art) is a soluble interleukin receptor, a soluble cytokine receptor, or a soluble cell surface receptor. Non-limiting examples of soluble interleukin receptors and soluble cytokine receptors include: a soluble TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII) and a soluble TGF-βRIII. Non-limiting examples of soluble cell surface receptors include: a soluble NKG2D, a soluble NK30, a soluble NKp44, a soluble NKp46, a soluble DNAM1, a scMHCI, a scMHCII, a scTCR, a soluble CD155, a soluble CD122, a soluble CD3, and a soluble CD28.

Signal Sequence

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes a signal sequence at its N-terminal end. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, a signal sequence is an amino acid sequence that is present at the N-terminus of a number of endogenously produced proteins that directs the protein to the secretory pathway (e.g., the protein is directed to reside in certain intracellular organelles, to reside in the cell membrane, or to be secreted from the cell). Signal sequences are heterogeneous and differ greatly in their primary amino acid sequences. However, signal sequences are typically 16 to 30 amino acids in length and include a hydrophilic, usually positively charged N-terminal region, a central hydrophobic domain, and a C-terminal region that contains the cleavage site for signal peptidase.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes a signal sequence having an amino acid sequence MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYS (SEQ ID NO: 62). In some embodiments, a single chain chimeric polypeptide includes a signal sequence encoded by the nucleic acid sequence

(SEQ ID NO: 63) ATGAAATGGGTGACCTTTATTTCTTTACTGTTCCTCTTTAGCAGCGCC TACTCC, (SEQ ID NO: 64) ATGAAGTGGGTCACATTTATCTCTTTACTGTTCCTCTTCTCCAGCGCC TACAGC, or (SEQ ID NO: 65) ATGAAATGGGTGACCTTTATTTCTTTACTGTTCCTCTTTAGCAGCGCC TACTCC.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes a signal sequence having an amino acid sequence MKCLLYLAFLFLGVNC (SEQ ID NO: 66). In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes a signal sequence having an amino acid sequence MGQIVTMFEALPHIIDEVINIVIIVLIIITSIKAVYNFATCGILALVSFLFLAGRSCG (SEQ ID NO: 67). In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes a signal sequence having an amino acid sequence

(SEQ ID NO: 68) MPNHQSGSPTGSSDLLLSGKKQRPHLALRRKRRREMRKINRKVRRMNL APIKEKTAWQHLQALISEAEEVLKTSQTPQNSLTLFLALLSVLGPPVTG. In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes a signal sequence having an amino acid sequence MDSKGSSQKGSRLLLLLVVSNLLLCQGVVS (SEQ ID NO: 69). Those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of other appropriate signal sequences for use in a single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes a signal sequence that is about 10 to 100 amino acids in length. For example, a signal sequence can be about 10 to 100 amino acids in length, about 15 to 100 amino acids in length, about 20 to 100 amino acids in length, about 25 to 100 amino acids in length, about 30 to 100 amino acids in length, about 35 to 100 amino acids in length, about 40 to 100 amino acids in length, about 45 to 100 amino acids in length, about 50 to 100 amino acids in length, about 55 to 100 amino acids in length, about 60 to 100 amino acids in length, about 65 to 100 amino acids in length, about 70 to 100 amino acids in length, about 75 to 100 amino acids in length, about 80 to 100 amino acids in length, about 85 to 100 amino acids in length, about 90 to 100 amino acids in length, about 95 to 100 amino acids in length, about 10 to 95 amino acids in length, about 10 to 90 amino acids in length, about 10 to 85 amino acids in length, about 10 to 80 amino acids in length, about 10 to 75 amino acids in length, about 10 to 70 amino acids in length, about 10 to 65 amino acids in length, about 10 to 60 amino acids in length, about 10 to 55 amino acids in length, about 10 to 50 amino acids in length, about 10 to 45 amino acids in length, about 10 to 40 amino acids in length, about 10 to 35 amino acids in length, about 10 to 30 amino acids in length, about 10 to 25 amino acids in length, about 10 to 20 amino acids in length, about 10 to 15 amino acids in length, about 20 to 30 amino acids in length, about 30 to 40 amino acids in length, about 40 to 50 amino acids in length, about 50 to 60 amino acids in length, about 60 to 70 amino acids in length, about 70 to 80 amino acids in length, about 80 to 90 amino acids in length, about 90 to 100 amino acids in length, about 20 to 90 amino acids in length, about 30 to 80 amino acids in length, about 40 to 70 amino acids in length, about 50 to 60 amino acids in length, or any range in between. In some embodiments, a signal sequence is about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 amino acids in length.

In some embodiments, any of the signal sequences disclosed herein can include one or more additional amino acids (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more amino acids) at its N-terminus and/or C-terminus, so long as the function of the signal sequence remains intact. For example, a signal sequence having the amino acid sequence MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYS (SEQ ID NO: 62) can include one or more additional amino acids at the N-terminus or C-terminus, while still retaining the ability to direct the single-chain chimeric polypeptide to the secretory pathway.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes a signal sequence that directs the single-chain chimeric polypeptide into the extracellular space. Such embodiments are useful in producing single-chain chimeric polypeptides that are relatively easy to be isolated and/or purified.

Peptide Tags

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes a peptide tag (e.g., at the N-terminal end or the C-terminal end of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide). In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes two or more peptide tags.

Exemplary peptide tags that can be included in a single-chain chimeric polypeptide include, without limitation, AviTag (GLNDIFEAQKIEWHE; SEQ ID NO: 70), a calmodulin-tag (KRRWKKNFIAVSAANRFKKISSSGAL; SEQ ID NO: 71), a polyglutamate tag (EEEEEE; SEQ ID NO: 72), an E-tag (GAPVPYPDPLEPR; SEQ ID NO: 73), a FLAG-tag (DYKDDDDK; SEQ ID NO: 74), an HA-tag, a peptide from hemagglutinin (YPYDVPDYA; SEQ ID NO: 75), a his-tag (HHHHH (SEQ ID NO: 76); HHHHHH (SEQ ID NO: 77); HHHHHHH (SEQ ID NO: 78); HHHHHHHH (SEQ ID NO: 79); HHHHHHHHH (SEQ ID NO: 80); or HHHHHHHHHH (SEQ ID NO: 81)), a myc-tag (EQKLISEEDL; SEQ ID NO: 82), NE-tag (TKENPRSNQEESYDDNES; SEQ ID NO: 83), S-tag, (KETAAAKFERQHMDS; SEQ ID NO: 84), SBP-tag (MDEKTTGWRGGHVVEGLAGELEQLRARLEHHPQGQREP; SEQ ID NO: 85), Softag 1 (SLAELLNAGLGGS; SEQ ID NO: 86), Softag 3 (TQDPSRVG; SEQ ID NO: 87), Spot-tag (PDRVRAVSHWSS; SEQ ID NO: 88), Strep-tag (WSHPQFEK; SEQ ID NO: 89), TC tag (CCPGCC; SEQ ID NO: 90), Ty tag (EVHTNQDPLD; SEQ ID NO: 91), V5 tag (GKPIPNPLLGLDST; SEQ ID NO: 92), VSV-tag (YTDIEMNRLGK; SEQ ID NO: 93), and Xpress tag (DLYDDDDK; SEQ ID NO: 94). In some embodiments, tissue factor protein is a peptide tag.

Peptide tags that can be included in a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can be used in any of a variety of applications related to the single-chain chimeric polypeptide. For example, a peptide tag can be used in the purification of a single-chain chimeric polypeptide. As one non-limiting example, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a myc tag; and can be purified using an antibody that recognizes the myc tag(s). One non-limiting example of an antibody that recognizes a myc tag is 9E10, available from the non-commercial Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank. As another non-limiting example, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a histidine tag, and can be purified using a nickel or cobalt chelate. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of other suitable tags and agent that bind those tags for use in purifying a single-chain chimeric polypeptide. In some embodiments, a peptide tag is removed from the single-chain chimeric polypeptide after purification. In some embodiments, a peptide tag is not removed from the single-chain chimeric polypeptide after purification.

Peptide tags that can be included in a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can be used, for example, in immunoprecipitation of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide, imaging of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide (e.g., via Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, and/or immunocytochemistry), and/or solubilization of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes a peptide tag that is about 10 to 100 amino acids in length. For example, a peptide tag can be about 10 to 100 amino acids in length, about 15 to 100 amino acids in length, about 20 to 100 amino acids in length, about 25 to 100 amino acids in length, about 30 to 100 amino acids in length, about 35 to 100 amino acids in length, about 40 to 100 amino acids in length, about 45 to 100 amino acids in length, about 50 to 100 amino acids in length, about 55 to 100 amino acids in length, about 60 to 100 amino acids in length, about 65 to 100 amino acids in length, about 70 to 100 amino acids in length, about 75 to 100 amino acids in length, about 80 to 100 amino acids in length, about 85 to 100 amino acids in length, about 90 to 100 amino acids in length, about 95 to 100 amino acids in length, about 10 to 95 amino acids in length, about 10 to 90 amino acids in length, about 10 to 85 amino acids in length, about 10 to 80 amino acids in length, about 10 to 75 amino acids in length, about 10 to 70 amino acids in length, about 10 to 65 amino acids in length, about 10 to 60 amino acids in length, about 10 to 55 amino acids in length, about 10 to 50 amino acids in length, about 10 to 45 amino acids in length, about 10 to 40 amino acids in length, about 10 to 35 amino acids in length, about 10 to 30 amino acids in length, about 10 to 25 amino acids in length, about 10 to 20 amino acids in length, about 10 to 15 amino acids in length, about 20 to 30 amino acids in length, about 30 to 40 amino acids in length, about 40 to 50 amino acids in length, about 50 to 60 amino acids in length, about 60 to 70 amino acids in length, about 70 to 80 amino acids in length, about 80 to 90 amino acids in length, about 90 to 100 amino acids in length, about 20 to 90 amino acids in length, about 30 to 80 amino acids in length, about 40 to 70 amino acids in length, about 50 to 60 amino acids in length, or any range in between. In some embodiments, a peptide tag is about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 amino acids in length.

Peptide tags included in a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can be of any suitable length. For example, peptide tags can be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more amino acids in length. In embodiments in which a single-chain chimeric polypeptide includes two or more peptide tags, the two or more peptide tags can be of the same or different lengths. In some embodiments, any of the peptide tags disclosed herein may include one or more additional amino acids (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more amino acids) at the N-terminus and/or C-terminus, so long as the function of the peptide tag remains intact. For example, a myc tag having the amino acid sequence EQKLISEEDL (SEQ ID NO: 82) can include one or more additional amino acids (e.g., at the N-terminus and/or the C-terminus of the peptide tag), while still retaining the ability to be bound by an antibody (e.g., 9E10).

Exemplary Embodiments of Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptides—Type A

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain and/or the second target-binding domain can independently bind specifically to CD3 (e.g., human CD3) or CD28 (e.g., human CD28). In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain binds specifically to CD3 (e.g., human CD3) and the second target-binding domain binds specifically to CD28 (e.g., human CD28). In some embodiments, the first target-binding domain binds specifically to CD28 (e.g., human CD28) and the second target-binding domain binds specifically to CD3 (e.g., human CD3).

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain directly abut each other. In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further includes a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linkers described herein) between the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain.

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain directly abut each other. In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further includes a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linkers described herein) between the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain.

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is an antigen-binding domain. In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain are each an antigen-binding domain (e.g., any of the exemplary antigen-binding domains described herein). In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the antigen-binding domain includes a scFv or a single domain antibody.

A non-limiting example of an scFv that binds specifically to CD3 can include a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 20) QIVLTQSPAIMSASPGEKVTMTCSASSSVSYMNWYQQKSGTSPKRWIY DTSKLASGVPAHFRGSGSGTSYSLTISGMEAEDAATYYCQQWSSNPFT FGSGTKLEINRGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSQVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKMSC KASGYTFTRYTMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGYINPSRGYTNYNQKFKDKATL TTDKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAVYYCARYYDDHYCLDYWGQGTTLTVSS.

In some embodiments, an scFv that binds specifically to CD3 can be encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 99) CAGATCGTGCTGACCCAAAGCCCCGCCATCATGAGCGCTAGCCCCGGT GAGAAGGTGACCATGACATGCTCCGCTTCCAGCTCCGTGTCCTACATG AACTGGTATCAGCAGAAAAGCGGAACCAGCCCCAAAAGGTGGATCTAC GACACCAGCAAGCTGGCCTCCGGAGTGCCCGCTCATTTCCGGGGCTCT GGATCCGGCACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATTTCCGGCATGGAAGCTGAA GACGCTGCCACCTACTATTGCCAGCAATGGAGCAGCAACCCCTTCACA TTCGGATCTGGCACCAAGCTCGAAATCAATCGTGGAGGAGGTGGCAGC GGCGGCGGTGGATCCGGCGGAGGAGGAAGCCAAGTTCAACTCCAGCAG AGCGGCGCTGAACTGGCCCGGCCCGGCGCCTCCGTCAAGATGAGCTGC AAGGCTTCCGGCTATACATTTACTCGTTACACAATGCATTGGGTCAAG CAGAGGCCCGGTCAAGGTTTAGAGTGGATCGGATATATCAACCCTTCC CGGGGCTACACCAACTATAACCAAAAGTTCAAGGATAAAGCCACTTTA ACCACTGACAAGAGCTCCTCCACCGCCTACATGCAGCTGTCCTCTTTA ACCAGCGAGGACTCCGCTGTTTACTACTGCGCTAGGTATTACGACGAC CACTACTGTTTAGACTATTGGGGACAAGGTACCACTTTAACCGTCAGC AGC.

A non-limiting example of an scFv that binds specifically to CD28 can include a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 26) VQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTSYVIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIG SINPYNDYTKYNEKFKGKATLTSDKSSITAYMEFSSLTSEDSALYYCA RWGDGNYWGRGTTLTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIEMTQSPAIMSASL GERVTMTCTASSSVSSSYFHWYQQKPGSSPKLCIYSTSNLASGVPPRF SGSGSTSYSLTISSMEAEDAATYFCHQYHRSPTFGGGTKLETKR.

In some embodiments, an scFv that binds specifically to CD28 can be encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 101) GTCCAGCTGCAGCAGAGCGGACCCGAACTCGTGAAACCCGGTGCTTCC GTGAAAATGTCTTGTAAGGCCAGCGGATACACCTTCACCTCCTATGTG ATCCAGTGGGTCAAACAGAAGCCCGGACAAGGTCTCGAGTGGATCGGC AGCATCAACCCTTACAACGACTATACCAAATACAACGAGAAGTTTAAG GGAAAGGCTACTTTAACCTCCGACAAAAGCTCCATCACAGCCTACATG GAGTTCAGCTCTTTAACATCCGAGGACAGCGCTCTGTACTATTGCGCC CGGTGGGGCGACGGCAATTACTGGGGACGGGGCACAACACTGACCGTG AGCAGCGGAGGCGGAGGCTCCGGCGGAGGCGGATCTGGCGGTGGCGGC TCCGACATCGAGATGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGTCCGCCTCTTTA GGCGAGCGGGTCACAATGACTTGTACAGCCTCCTCCAGCGTCTCCTCC TCCTACTTCCATTGGTACCAACAGAAACCCGGAAGCTCCCCTAAACTG TGCATCTACAGCACCAGCAATCTCGCCAGCGGCGTGCCCCCTAGGTTT TCCGGAAGCGGAAGCACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATCTCCTCCATGGAG GCTGAGGATGCCGCCACCTACTTTTGTCACCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCC ACCTTCGGAGGCGGCACCAAACTGGAGACAAAGAGG.

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the first target-binding domain and/or the second target-binding domain is a soluble receptor (e.g., a soluble CD28 receptor or a soluble CD3 receptor). In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the soluble tissue factor domain can be any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 1) QIVLTQSPAIMSASPGEKVTMTCSASSSVSYMNWYQQKSGTSPKRWIY DTSKLASGVPAHFRGSGSGTSYSLTISGMEAEDAATYYCQQWSSNPFT FGSGTKLEINRGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSQVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKMSC KASGYTFTRYTMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGYINPSRGYTNYNQKFKDKATL TTDKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAVYYCARYYDDHYCLDYWGQGTTLTVS SSGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKS KCFYTTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYE NSPEFTPYLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSL RDVFGKDLIYTLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQA VIPSRTVNRKSTDSPVECMGQEKGEFREVQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKMS CKASGYTFTSYVIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIGSINPYNDYTKYNEKFKGKAT LTSDKSSITAYMEFSSLTSEDSALYYCARWGDGNYWGRGTTLTVSSGG GGSGGGGSGGGGSDIEMTQSPAIMSASLGERVTMTCTASSSVSSSYFH WYQQKPGSSPKLCIYSTSNLASGVPPRFSGSGSTSYSLTISSMEAEDA ATYFCHQYHRSPTFGGGTKLETKR.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide is encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 2) CAGATCGTGCTGACCCAAAGCCCCGCCATCATGAGCGCTAGCCCCGGT GAGAAGGTGACCATGACATGCTCCGCTTCCAGCTCCGTGTCCTACATG AACTGGTATCAGCAGAAAAGCGGAACCAGCCCCAAAAGGTGGATCTAC GACACCAGCAAGCTGGCCTCCGGAGTGCCCGCTCATTTCCGGGGCTCT GGATCCGGCACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATTTCCGGCATGGAAGCTGAA GACGCTGCCACCTACTATTGCCAGCAATGGAGCAGCAACCCCTTCACA TTCGGATCTGGCACCAAGCTCGAAATCAATCGTGGAGGAGGTGGCAGC GGCGGCGGTGGATCCGGCGGAGGAGGAAGCCAAGTTCAACTCCAGCAG AGCGGCGCTGAACTGGCCCGGCCCGGCGCCTCCGTCAAGATGAGCTGC AAGGCTTCCGGCTATACATTTACTCGTTACACAATGCATTGGGTCAAG CAGAGGCCCGGTCAAGGTTTAGAGTGGATCGGATATATCAACCCTTCC CGGGGCTACACCAACTATAACCAAAAGTTCAAGGATAAAGCCACTTTA ACCACTGACAAGAGCTCCTCCACCGCCTACATGCAGCTGTCCTCTTTA ACCAGCGAGGACTCCGCTGTTTACTACTGCGCTAGGTATTACGACGAC CACTACTGTTTAGACTATTGGGGACAAGGTACCACTTTAACCGTCAGC AGCTCCGGCACCACCAATACCGTGGCCGCTTATAACCTCACATGGAAG AGCACCAACTTCAAGACAATTCTGGAATGGGAACCCAAGCCCGTCAAT CAAGTTTACACCGTGCAGATCTCCACCAAATCCGGAGACTGGAAGAGC AAGTGCTTCTACACAACAGACACCGAGTGTGATTTAACCGACGAAATC GTCAAGGACGTCAAGCAAACCTATCTGGCTCGGGTCTTTTCCTACCCC GCTGGCAATGTCGAGTCCACCGGCTCCGCTGGCGAGCCTCTCTACGAG AATTCCCCCGAATTCACCCCTTATTTAGAGACCAATTTAGGCCAGCCT ACCATCCAGAGCTTCGAGCAAGTTGGCACCAAGGTGAACGTCACCGTC GAGGATGAAAGGACTTTAGTGCGGCGGAATAACACATTTTTATCCCTC CGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGACCTCATCTACACACTGTACTATTGGAAG TCCAGCTCCTCCGGCAAAAAGACCGCTAAGACCAACACCAACGAGTTT TTAATTGACGTGGACAAAGGCGAGAACTACTGCTTCAGCGTGCAAGCC GTGATCCCTTCTCGTACCGTCAACCGGAAGAGCACAGATTCCCCCGTT GAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGTTCCGGGAGGTCCAGCTGCAG CAGAGCGGACCCGAACTCGTGAAACCCGGTGCTTCCGTGAAAATGTCT TGTAAGGCCAGCGGATACACCTTCACCTCCTATGTGATCCAGTGGGTC AAACAGAAGCCCGGACAAGGTCTCGAGTGGATCGGCAGCATCAACCCT TACAACGACTATACCAAATACAACGAGAAGTTTAAGGGAAAGGCTACT TTAACCTCCGACAAAAGCTCCATCACAGCCTACATGGAGTTCAGCTCT TTAACATCCGAGGACAGCGCTCTGTACTATTGCGCCCGGTGGGGCGAC GGCAATTACTGGGGACGGGGCACAACACTGACCGTGAGCAGCGGAGGC GGAGGCTCCGGCGGAGGCGGATCTGGCGGTGGCGGCTCCGACATCGAG ATGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGTCCGCCTCTTTAGGCGAGCGGGTC ACAATGACTTGTACAGCCTCCTCCAGCGTCTCCTCCTCCTACTTCCAT TGGTACCAACAGAAACCCGGAAGCTCCCCTAAACTGTGCATCTACAGC ACCAGCAATCTCGCCAGCGGCGTGCCCCCTAGGTTTTCCGGAAGCGGA AGCACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATCTCCTCCATGGAGGCTGAGGATGCC GCCACCTACTTTTGTCACCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCCACCTTCGGAGGC GGCACCAAACTGGAGACAAAGAGG.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 3) MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYSQIVLTQSPAIMSASPGEKVTMTCSASSSVS YMNWYQQKSGTSPKRWIYDTSKLASGVPAHFRGSGSGTSYSLTISGME AEDAATYYCQQWSSNPFTFGSGTKLEINRGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSQVQL QQSGAELARPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTRYTMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGYIN PSRGYTNYNQKFKDKATLTTDKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAVYYCARYY DDHYCLDYWGQGTTLTVSSSGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKP VNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFYTTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFS YPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTPYLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNV TVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIYTLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTN EFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTDSPVECMGQEKGEFREVQ LQQSGPELVKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTSYVIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIGSI NPYNDYTKYNEKFKGKATLTSDKSSITAYMEFSSLTSEDSALYYCARW GDGNYWGRGTTLTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIEMTQSPAIMSASLGE RVTMTCTASSSVSSSYFHWYQQKPGSSPKLCIYSTSNLASGVPPRFSG SGSTSYSLTISSMEAEDAATYFCHQYHRSPTFGGGTKLETKR.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide is encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 4) ATGAAGTGGGTGACCTTCATCAGCTTATTATTTTTATTCAGCTCCGCC TATTCCCAGATCGTGCTGACCCAAAGCCCCGCCATCATGAGCGCTAGC CCCGGTGAGAAGGTGACCATGACATGCTCCGCTTCCAGCTCCGTGTCC TACATGAACTGGTATCAGCAGAAAAGCGGAACCAGCCCCAAAAGGTGG ATCTACGACACCAGCAAGCTGGCCTCCGGAGTGCCCGCTCATTTCCGG GGCTCTGGATCCGGCACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATTTCCGGCATGGAA GCTGAAGACGCTGCCACCTACTATTGCCAGCAATGGAGCAGCAACCCC TTCACATTCGGATCTGGCACCAAGCTCGAAATCAATCGTGGAGGAGGT GGCAGCGGCGGCGGTGGATCCGGCGGAGGAGGAAGCCAAGTTCAACTC CAGCAGAGCGGCGCTGAACTGGCCCGGCCCGGCGCCTCCGTCAAGATG AGCTGCAAGGCTTCCGGCTATACATTTACTCGTTACACAATGCATTGG GTCAAGCAGAGGCCCGGTCAAGGTTTAGAGTGGATCGGATATATCAAC CCTTCCCGGGGCTACACCAACTATAACCAAAAGTTCAAGGATAAAGCC ACTTTAACCACTGACAAGAGCTCCTCCACCGCCTACATGCAGCTGTCC TCTTTAACCAGCGAGGACTCCGCTGTTTACTACTGCGCTAGGTATTAC GACGACCACTACTGTTTAGACTATTGGGGACAAGGTACCACTTTAACC GTCAGCAGCTCCGGCACCACCAATACCGTGGCCGCTTATAACCTCACA TGGAAGAGCACCAACTTCAAGACAATTCTGGAATGGGAACCCAAGCCC GTCAATCAAGTTTACACCGTGCAGATCTCCACCAAATCCGGAGACTGG AAGAGCAAGTGCTTCTACACAACAGACACCGAGTGTGATTTAACCGAC GAAATCGTCAAGGACGTCAAGCAAACCTATCTGGCTCGGGTCTTTTCC TACCCCGCTGGCAATGTCGAGTCCACCGGCTCCGCTGGCGAGCCTCTC TACGAGAATTCCCCCGAATTCACCCCTTATTTAGAGACCAATTTAGGC CAGCCTACCATCCAGAGCTTCGAGCAAGTTGGCACCAAGGTGAACGTC ACCGTCGAGGATGAAAGGACTTTAGTGCGGCGGAATAACACATTTTTA TCCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGACCTCATCTACACACTGTACTAT TGGAAGTCCAGCTCCTCCGGCAAAAAGACCGCTAAGACCAACACCAAC GAGTTTTTAATTGACGTGGACAAAGGCGAGAACTACTGCTTCAGCGTG CAAGCCGTGATCCCTTCTCGTACCGTCAACCGGAAGAGCACAGATTCC CCCGTTGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGTTCCGGGAGGTCCAG CTGCAGCAGAGCGGACCCGAACTCGTGAAACCCGGTGCTTCCGTGAAA ATGTCTTGTAAGGCCAGCGGATACACCTTCACCTCCTATGTGATCCAG TGGGTCAAACAGAAGCCCGGACAAGGTCTCGAGTGGATCGGCAGCATC AACCCTTACAACGACTATACCAAATACAACGAGAAGTTTAAGGGAAAG GCTACTTTAACCTCCGACAAAAGCTCCATCACAGCCTACATGGAGTTC AGCTCTTTAACATCCGAGGACAGCGCTCTGTACTATTGCGCCCGGTGG GGCGACGGCAATTACTGGGGACGGGGCACAACACTGACCGTGAGCAGC GGAGGCGGAGGCTCCGGCGGAGGCGGATCTGGCGGTGGCGGCTCCGAC ATCGAGATGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGTCCGCCTCTTTAGGCGAG CGGGTCACAATGACTTGTACAGCCTCCTCCAGCGTCTCCTCCTCCTAC TTCCATTGGTACCAACAGAAACCCGGAAGCTCCCCTAAACTGTGCATC TACAGCACCAGCAATCTCGCCAGCGGCGTGCCCCCTAGGTTTTCCGGA AGCGGAAGCACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATCTCCTCCATGGAGGCTGAG GATGCCGCCACCTACTTTTGTCACCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCCACCTTC GGAGGCGGCACCAAACTGGAGACAAAGAGG.

Exemplary Embodiments of Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptides—Type B

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain and/or the second target-binding domain can independently bind specifically to an IL-2 receptor (e.g., human IL-2 receptor).

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain directly abut each other. In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further includes a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linkers described herein) between the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain.

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain directly abut each other. In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further includes a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linkers described herein) between the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain.

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble human IL-2 protein. A non-limiting example of an IL-2 protein that binds specifically to an IL-2 receptor can include a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 28) APTSSSTKKTQLQLEHLLLDLQMILNGINNYKNPKLTRIVILTFKFYM PKKATELKHLQCLEEELKPLEEVLNLAQSKNFHLRPRDLISNINVIVL ELKGSETTFMCEYADETATIVEFLNRWITFCQSIISTLT.

In some embodiments, an IL-2 protein that binds specifically to an IL-2 receptor can be encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 106) GCACCTACTTCAAGTTCTACAAAGAAAACACAGCTACAACTGGAGCAT TTACTGCTGGATTTACAGATGATTTTGAATGGAATTAATAATTACAAG AATCCCAAACTCACCAGGATGCTCACATTTAAGTTTTACATGCCCAAG AAGGCCACAGAACTGAAACATCTTCAGTGTCTAGAAGAAGAACTCAAA CCTCTGGAGGAAGTGCTAAATTTAGCTCAAAGCAAAAACTTTCACTTA AGACCCAGGGACTTAATCAGCAATATCAACGTAATAGTTCTGGAACTA AAGGGATCTGAAACAACATTCATGTGTGAATATGCTGATGAGACAGCA ACCATTGTAGAATTTCTGAACAGATGGATTACCTTTTGTCAAAGCATC ATCTCAACACTAACT.

In some embodiments, an IL-2 protein that binds specifically to an IL-2 receptor can be encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 107) GCCCCCACCTCCTCCTCCACCAAGAAGACCCAGCTGCAGCTGGAGCAT TTACTGCTGGATTTACAGATGATTTTAAACGGCATCAACAACTACAAG AACCCCAAGCTGACTCGTATGCTGACCTTCAAGTTCTACATGCCCAAG AAGGCCACCGAGCTGAAGCATTTACAGTGTTTAGAGGAGGAGCTGAAG CCCCTCGAGGAGGTGCTGAATTTAGCCCAGTCCAAGAATTTCCATTTA AGGCCCCGGGATTTAATCAGCAACATCAACGTGATCGTTTTAGAGCTG AAGGGCTCCGAGACCACCTTCATGTGCGAGTACGCCGACGAGACCGCC ACCATCGTGGAGTTTTTAAATCGTTGGATCACCTTCTGCCAGTCCATC ATCTCCACTTTAACC

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the soluble tissue factor domain can be any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 108) APTSSSTKKTQLQLEHLLLDLQMILNGINNYKNPKLTRMLTFKFYMPK KATELKHLQCLEEELKPLEEVLNLAQSKNFHLRPRDLISNINVIVLEL KGSETTFMCEYADETATIVEFLNRWITFCQSIISTLTSGTTNTVAAYN LTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFYTTDTECDL TDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTPYLETN LGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIYTL YYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKST DSPVECMGQEKGEFREAPTSSSTKKTQLQLEHLLLDLQMILNGINNYK NPKLTRMLTFKFYMPKKATELKHLQCLEEELKPLEEVLNLAQSKNFHL RPRDLISNINVIVLELKGSETTFMCEYADETATIVEFLNRWITFCQSI ISTLT.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide is encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 109) GCCCCCACCTCCTCCTCCACCAAGAAGACCCAGCTGCAGCTGGAGCATTTA CTGCTGGATTTACAGATGATTTTAAACGGCATCAACAACTACAAGAACCCC AAGCTGACTCGTATGCTGACCTTCAAGTTCTACATGCCCAAGAAGGCCACC GAGCTGAAGCATTTACAGTGTTTAGAGGAGGAGCTGAAGCCCCTCGAGGAG GTGCTGAATTTAGCCCAGTCCAAGAATTTCCATTTAAGGCCCCGGGATTTA ATCAGCAACATCAACGTGATCGTTTTAGAGCTGAAGGGCTCCGAGACCACC TTCATGTGCGAGTACGCCGACGAGACCGCCACCATCGTGGAGTTTTTAAAT CGTTGGATCACCTTCTGCCAGTCCATCATCTCCACTTTAACCAGCGGCACA ACCAACACAGTCGCTGCCTATAACCTCACTTGGAAGAGCACCAACTTCAAA ACCATCCTCGAATGGGAACCCAAACCCGTTAACCAAGTTTACACCGTGCAG ATCAGCACCAAGTCCGGCGACTGGAAGTCCAAATGTTTCTATACCACCGAC ACCGAGTGCGATCTCACCGATGAGATCGTGAAAGATGTGAAACAGACCTAC CTCGCCCGGGTGTTTAGCTACCCCGCCGGCAATGTGGAGAGCACTGGTTCC GCTGGCGAGCCTTTATACGAGAACAGCCCCGAATTTACCCCTTACCTCGAG ACCAATTTAGGACAGCCCACCATCCAAAGCTTTGAGCAAGTTGGCACAAAG GTGAATGTGACAGTGGAGGACGAGCGGACTTTAGTGCGGCGGAACAACACC TTTCTCAGCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGATTTAATCTACACACTGTAT TACTGGAAGTCCTCTTCCTCCGGCAAGAAGACAGCTAAAACCAACACAAAC GAGTTTTTAATCGACGTGGATAAAGGCGAAAACTACTGTTTCAGCGTGCAA GCTGTGATCCCCTCCCGGACCGTGAATAGGAAAAGCACCGATAGCCCCGTT GAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGTTCCGGGAGGCACCTACTTCAAGT TCTACAAAGAAAACACAGCTACAACTGGAGCATTTACTGCTGGATTTACAG ATGATTTTGAATGGAATTAATAATTACAAGAATCCCAAACTCACCAGGATG CTCACATTTAAGTTTTACATGCCCAAGAAGGCCACAGAACTGAAACATCTT CAGTGTCTAGAAGAAGAACTCAAACCTCTGGAGGAAGTGCTAAATTTAGCT CAAAGCAAAAACTTTCACTTAAGACCCAGGGACTTAATCAGCAATATCAAC GTAATAGTTCTGGAACTAAAGGGATCTGAAACAACATTCATGTGTGAATAT GCTGATGAGACAGCAACCATTGTAGAATTTCTGAACAGATGGATTACCTTT TGTCAAAGCATCATCTCAACACTAACT. 

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 110) MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYSAPTSSSTKKTQLQLEHLLLDLQMILNGINNYKN PKLTRMLTFKFYMPKKATELKHLQCLEEELKPLEEVLNLAQSKNFHLRPRD LISNINVIVLELKGSETTFMCEYADETATIVEFLNRWITFCQSIISTLTSG TTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFYTT DTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTPYL ETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIYTL YYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTDSP VECMGQEKGEFREAPTSSSTKKTQLQLEHLLLDLQMILNGINNYKNPKLTR MLTFKFYMPKKATELKHLQCLEEELKPLEEVLNLAQSKNFHLRPRDLISNI NVIVLELKGSETTFMCEYADETATIVEFLNRWITFCQSIISTLT.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide is encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 111) ATGAAGTGGGTGACCTTCATCAGCCTGCTGTTCCTGTTCTCCAGCGCCTAC TCCGCCCCCACCTCCTCCTCCACCAAGAAGACCCAGCTGCAGCTGGAGCAT TTACTGCTGGATTTACAGATGATTTTAAACGGCATCAACAACTACAAGAAC CCCAAGCTGACTCGTATGCTGACCTTCAAGTTCTACATGCCCAAGAAGGCC ACCGAGCTGAAGCATTTACAGTGTTTAGAGGAGGAGCTGAAGCCCCTCGAG GAGGTGCTGAATTTAGCCCAGTCCAAGAATTTCCATTTAAGGCCCCGGGAT TTAATCAGCAACATCAACGTGATCGTTTTAGAGCTGAAGGGCTCCGAGACC ACCTTCATGTGCGAGTACGCCGACGAGACCGCCACCATCGTGGAGTTTTTA AATCGTTGGATCACCTTCTGCCAGTCCATCATCTCCACTTTAACCAGCGGC ACAACCAACACAGTCGCTGCCTATAACCTCACTTGGAAGAGCACCAACTTC AAAACCATCCTCGAATGGGAACCCAAACCCGTTAACCAAGTTTACACCGTG CAGATCAGCACCAAGTCCGGCGACTGGAAGTCCAAATGTTTCTATACCACC GACACCGAGTGCGATCTCACCGATGAGATCGTGAAAGATGTGAAACAGACC TACCTCGCCCGGGTGTTTAGCTACCCCGCCGGCAATGTGGAGAGCACTGGT TCCGCTGGCGAGCCTTTATACGAGAACAGCCCCGAATTTACCCCTTACCTC GAGACCAATTTAGGACAGCCCACCATCCAAAGCTTTGAGCAAGTTGGCACA AAGGTGAATGTGACAGTGGAGGACGAGCGGACTTTAGTGCGGCGGAACAAC ACCTTTCTCAGCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGATTTAATCTACACACTG TATTACTGGAAGTCCTCTTCCTCCGGCAAGAAGACAGCTAAAACCAACACA AACGAGTTTTTAATCGACGTGGATAAAGGCGAAAACTACTGTTTCAGCGTG CAAGCTGTGATCCCCTCCCGGACCGTGAATAGGAAAAGCACCGATAGCCCC GTTGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGTTCCGGGAGGCACCTACTTCA AGTTCTACAAAGAAAACACAGCTACAACTGGAGCATTTACTGCTGGATTTA CAGATGATTTTGAATGGAATTAATAATTACAAGAATCCCAAACTCACCAGG ATGCTCACATTTAAGTTTTACATGCCCAAGAAGGCCACAGAACTGAAACAT CTTCAGTGTCTAGAAGAAGAACTCAAACCTCTGGAGGAAGTGCTAAATTTA GCTCAAAGCAAAAACTTTCACTTAAGACCCAGGGACTTAATCAGCAATATC AACGTAATAGTTCTGGAACTAAAGGGATCTGAAACAACATTCATGTGTGAA TATGCTGATGAGACAGCAACCATTGTAGAATTTCTGAACAGATGGATTACC TTTTGTCAAAGCATCATCTCAACACTAACT.

Exemplary Embodiments of Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptides—Type C

In some embodiments of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein, the first target-binding domain and/or the second target-binding domain can independently bind specifically to an IL-15 receptor (e.g., a human IL-15 receptor).

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain directly abut each other. In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further includes a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linkers described herein) between the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain.

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain directly abut each other. In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further includes a linker sequence (e.g., any of the exemplary linkers described herein) between the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain.

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble human IL-15 protein. A non-limiting example of an IL-15 protein that binds specifically to an IL-15 receptor can include a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 39) NWVNVISDLKKIEDLIQSMHIDATLYTESDVHPSCKVTAMKCFLLELQVIS LESGDASIHDTVENLIILANNSLSSNGNVTESGCKECEELEEKNIKEFLQS FVHIVQMFINTS.

In some embodiments, an IL-15 protein that binds specifically to an IL-15 receptor can be encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 112) AACTGGGTGAACGTGATCAGCGATTTAAAGAAGATCGAGGATTTAATCCAG AGCATGCACATCGACGCCACTCTGTACACTGAGAGCGACGTGCACCCTAGC TGCAAGGTGACTGCCATGAAGTGCTTTTTACTGGAGCTGCAAGTTATCTCT TTAGAGAGCGGCGATGCCAGCATCCACGACACTGTGGAGAATTTAATCATT TTAGCCAACAACTCTTTAAGCAGCAACGGCAACGTGACAGAGAGCGGCTGC AAGGAGTGCGAGGAGCTGGAGGAGAAGAACATCAAGGAGTTTTTACAGAGC TTCGTGCACATCGTGCAGATGTTCATCAACACTAGC.

In some embodiments, an IL-15 protein that binds specifically to an IL-15 receptor can be encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 113) AACTGGGTGAACGTCATCAGCGATTTAAAGAAGATCGAAGATTTAATTCAG TCCATGCATATCGACGCCACTTTATACACAGAATCCGACGTGCACCCCTCT TGTAAGGTGACCGCCATGAAATGTTTTTTACTGGAGCTGCAAGTTATCTCT TTAGAGAGCGGAGACGCTAGCATCCACGACACCGTGGAGAATTTAATCATT TTAGCCAATAACTCTTTATCCAGCAACGGCAACGTGACAGAGTCCGGCTGC AAGGAGTGCGAAGAGCTGGAGGAGAAGAACATCAAGGAGTTTCTGCAATCC TTTGTGCACATTGTCCAGATGTTCATCAATACCTCC

In some embodiments of these single-chain chimeric polypeptides, the soluble tissue factor domain can be any of the exemplary soluble tissue factor domains described herein.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 114) NWVNVISDLKKIEDLIQSMHIDATLYTESDVHPSCKVTAMKCFLLELQVIS LESGDASIHDTVENLIILANNSLSSNGNVTESGCKECEELEEKNIKEFLQS FVHIVQMFINTSSGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQIS TKSGDWKSKCFYTTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAG EPLYENSPEFTPYLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFL SLRDVFGKDLIYTLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAV IPSRTVNRKSTDSPVECMGQEKGEFRENWVNVISDLKKIEDLIQSMHIDAT LYTESDVHPSCKVTAMKCFLLELQVISLESGDASIHDTVENLIILANNSLS SNGNVTESGCKECEELEEKNIKEFLQSFVHIVQMFINTS.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide is encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 115) AACTGGGTGAACGTGATCAGCGATTTAAAGAAGATCGAGGATTTAATCCAG AGCATGCACATCGACGCCACTCTGTACACTGAGAGCGACGTGCACCCTAGC TGCAAGGTGACTGCCATGAAGTGCTTTTTACTGGAGCTGCAAGTTATCTCT TTAGAGAGCGGCGATGCCAGCATCCACGACACTGTGGAGAATTTAATCATT TTAGCCAACAACTCTTTAAGCAGCAACGGCAACGTGACAGAGAGCGGCTGC AAGGAGTGCGAGGAGCTGGAGGAGAAGAACATCAAGGAGTTTTTACAGAGC TTCGTGCACATCGTGCAGATGTTCATCAACACTAGCAGCGGCACAACCAAC ACAGTCGCTGCCTATAACCTCACTTGGAAGAGCACCAACTTCAAAACCATC CTCGAATGGGAACCCAAACCCGTTAACCAAGTTTACACCGTGCAGATCAGC ACCAAGTCCGGCGACTGGAAGTCCAAATGTTTCTATACCACCGACACCGAG TGCGATCTCACCGATGAGATCGTGAAAGATGTGAAACAGACCTACCTCGCC CGGGTGTTTAGCTACCCCGCCGGCAATGTGGAGAGCACTGGTTCCGCTGGC GAGCCTTTATACGAGAACAGCCCCGAATTTACCCCTTACCTCGAGACCAAT TTAGGACAGCCCACCATCCAAAGCTTTGAGCAAGTTGGCACAAAGGTGAAT GTGACAGTGGAGGACGAGCGGACTTTAGTGCGGCGGAACAACACCTTTCTC AGCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGATTTAATCTACACACTGTATTACTGG AAGTCCTCTTCCTCCGGCAAGAAGACAGCTAAAACCAACACAAACGAGTTT TTAATCGACGTGGATAAAGGCGAAAACTACTGTTTCAGCGTGCAAGCTGTG ATCCCCTCCCGGACCGTGAATAGGAAAAGCACCGATAGCCCCGTTGAGTGC ATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGTTCCGGGAGAACTGGGTGAACGTCATCAGC GATTTAAAGAAGATCGAAGATTTAATTCAGTCCATGCATATCGACGCCACT TTATACACAGAATCCGACGTGCACCCCTCTTGTAAGGTGACCGCCATGAAA TGTTTTTTACTGGAGCTGCAAGTTATCTCTTTAGAGAGCGGAGACGCTAGC ATCCACGACACCGTGGAGAATTTAATCATTTTAGCCAATAACTCTTTATCC AGCAACGGCAACGTGACAGAGTCCGGCTGCAAGGAGTGCGAAGAGCTGGAG GAGAAGAACATCAAGGAGTTTCTGCAATCCTTTGTGCACATTGTCCAGATG TTCATCAATACCTCC.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide can include a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 116) MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYSNWVNVISDLKKIEDLIQSMHIDATLYTESDVHP SCKVTAMKCFLLELQVISLESGDASIHDTVENLIILANNSLSSNGNVTESG CKECEELEEKNIKEFLQSFVHIVQMFINTSSGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKT ILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFYTTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYL ARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTPYLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKV NVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIYTLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNE FLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTDSPVECMGQEKGEFRENWVNVI SDLKKIEDLIQSMHIDATLYTESDVHPSCKVTAMKCFLLELQVISLESGDA SIHDTVENLIILANNSLSSNGNVTESGCKECEELEEKNIKEFLQSFVHIVQ MFINTS.

In some embodiments, a single-chain chimeric polypeptide is encoded by a sequence that is at least 80% identical (e.g., at least 82% identical, at least 84% identical, at least 86% identical, at least 88% identical, at least 90% identical, at least 92% identical, at least 94% identical, at least 96% identical, at least 98% identical, at least 99% identical, or 100% identical) to:

(SEQ ID NO: 117) ATGAAGTGGGTGACCTTCATCAGCCTGCTGTTCCTGTTCTCCAGCGCCTAC TCCAACTGGGTGAACGTGATCAGCGATTTAAAGAAGATCGAGGATTTAATC CAGAGCATGCACATCGACGCCACTCTGTACACTGAGAGCGACGTGCACCCT AGCTGCAAGGTGACTGCCATGAAGTGCTTTTTACTGGAGCTGCAAGTTATC TCTTTAGAGAGCGGCGATGCCAGCATCCACGACACTGTGGAGAATTTAATC ATTTTAGCCAACAACTCTTTAAGCAGCAACGGCAACGTGACAGAGAGCGGC TGCAAGGAGTGCGAGGAGCTGGAGGAGAAGAACATCAAGGAGTTTTTACAG AGCTTCGTGCACATCGTGCAGATGTTCATCAACACTAGCAGCGGCACAACC AACACAGTCGCTGCCTATAACCTCACTTGGAAGAGCACCAACTTCAAAACC ATCCTCGAATGGGAACCCAAACCCGTTAACCAAGTTTACACCGTGCAGATC AGCACCAAGTCCGGCGACTGGAAGTCCAAATGTTTCTATACCACCGACACC GAGTGCGATCTCACCGATGAGATCGTGAAAGATGTGAAACAGACCTACCTC GCCCGGGTGTTTAGCTACCCCGCCGGCAATGTGGAGAGCACTGGTTCCGCT GGCGAGCCTTTATACGAGAACAGCCCCGAATTTACCCCTTACCTCGAGACC AATTTAGGACAGCCCACCATCCAAAGCTTTGAGCAAGTTGGCACAAAGGTG AATGTGACAGTGGAGGACGAGCGGACTTTAGTGCGGCGGAACAACACCTTT CTCAGCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGATTTAATCTACACACTGTATTAC TGGAAGTCCTCTTCCTCCGGCAAGAAGACAGCTAAAACCAACACAAACGAG TTTTTAATCGACGTGGATAAAGGCGAAAACTACTGTTTCAGCGTGCAAGCT GTGATCCCCTCCCGGACCGTGAATAGGAAAAGCACCGATAGCCCCGTTGAG TGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGTTCCGGGAGAACTGGGTGAACGTCATC AGCGATTTAAAGAAGATCGAAGATTTAATTCAGTCCATGCATATCGACGCC ACTTTATACACAGAATCCGACGTGCACCCCTCTTGTAAGGTGACCGCCATG AAATGTTTTTTACTGGAGCTGCAAGTTATCTCTTTAGAGAGCGGAGACGCT AGCATCCACGACACCGTGGAGAATTTAATCATTTTAGCCAATAACTCTTTA TCCAGCAACGGCAACGTGACAGAGTCCGGCTGCAAGGAGTGCGAAGAGCTG GAGGAGAAGAACATCAAGGAGTTTCTGCAATCCTTTGTGCACATTGTCCAG ATGTTCATCAATACCTCC.

Compositions/Kits

Also provided herein are compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) that include at least one of any single-chain chimeric polypeptides, any of the cells, or any of the nucleic acids described herein. In some embodiments, the compositions include at least one of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein. In some embodiments, the compositions include any of the immune cells (e.g., any of the immune cells described herein, e.g., any of the immune cells produced using any of the methods described herein).

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions are formulated for different routes of administration (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous). In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions can include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (e.g., phosphate buffered saline).

Single or multiple administrations of pharmaceutical compositions can be given to a subject in need thereof depending on for example: the dosage and frequency as required and tolerated by the subject. The formulation should provide a sufficient quantity of active agent to effectively treat, prevent or ameliorate conditions, diseases or symptoms.

Also provided herein are kits that include any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides, compositions, nucleic acids, or cells (e.g., immune cells) described herein. In some embodiments, the kits can include instructions for performing any of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the kits can include at least one dose of any of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein.

Nucleic Acids/Vectors

Also provided herein are nucleic acids that encode any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein. Also provided herein are vectors that include any of the nucleic acids encoding any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein.

Any of the vectors described herein can be an expression vector. For example, an expression vector can include a promoter sequence operably linked to the sequence encoding the single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

Non-limiting examples of vectors include plasmids, transposons, cosmids, and viral vectors (e.g., any adenoviral vectors (e.g., pSV or pCMV vectors), adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, lentivirus vectors, and retroviral vectors), and any Gateway® vectors. A vector can, e.g., include sufficient cis-acting elements for expression; other elements for expression can be supplied by the host mammalian cell or in an in vitro expression system. Skilled practitioners will be capable of selecting suitable vectors and mammalian cells for making any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein.

Cells

Also provided herein are cells (e.g., any of the exemplary cells described herein or known in the art) comprising any of the nucleic acids described herein that encode any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein.

Also provided herein are cells (e.g., any of the exemplary cells described herein or known in the art) that include any of the vectors described herein that encode any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein.

In some embodiments of any of the methods described herein, the cell can be a eukaryotic cell. As used herein, the term “eukaryotic cell” refers to a cell having a distinct, membrane-bound nucleus. Such cells may include, for example, mammalian (e.g., rodent, non-human primate, or human), insect, fungal, or plant cells. In some embodiments, the eukaryotic cell is a yeast cell, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In some embodiments, the eukaryotic cell is a higher eukaryote, such as mammalian, avian, plant, or insect cells. Non-limiting examples of mammalian cells include Chinese hamster ovary cells and human embryonic kidney cells (e.g., HEK293 cells).

Methods of introducing nucleic acids and expression vectors into a cell (e.g., an eukaryotic cell) are known in the art. Non-limiting examples of methods that can be used to introduce a nucleic acid into a cell include lipofection, transfection, electroporation, microinjection, calcium phosphate transfection, dendrimer-based transfection, cationic polymer transfection, cell squeezing, sonoporation, optical transfection, impalefection, hydrodynamic delivery, magnetofection, viral transduction (e.g., adenoviral and lentiviral transduction), and nanoparticle transfection.

Methods of Producing Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptides

Also provided herein are methods of producing any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein that include culturing any of the cells described herein in a culture medium under conditions sufficient to result in the production of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide; and recovering the single-chain chimeric polypeptide from the cell and/or the culture medium.

The recovery of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide from a culture medium or a cell (e.g., a eukaryotic cell) can be performed using techniques well-known in the art (e.g., ammonium sulfate precipitation, polyethylene glycol precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography (anion or cation), chromatography based on hydrophobic interaction, metal-affinity chromatography, ligand-affinity chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography).

Methods of culturing cells are well known in the art. Cells can be maintained in vitro under conditions that favor proliferation, differentiation and growth. Briefly, cells can be cultured by contacting a cell (e.g., any cell) with a cell culture medium that includes the necessary growth factors and supplements to support cell viability and growth.

Also provided herein are single-chain chimeric polypeptides (e.g., any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein) produced by any of the methods described herein.

Methods of Stimulating an Immune Cell

Also provided herein are methods of stimulating an immune cell (e.g., any of the exemplary immune cells described herein or known in the art) that include contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein or any of the compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) described herein. In some examples, the immune cell is contacted in vitro (e.g., in a suitable liquid culture medium under conditions sufficient to result in stimulation of the immune cell).

In some examples, the immune cell has been previously obtained from a subject (e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human). Some embodiments of these methods further include obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step.

In some examples, the immune cell is contacted in vivo. In such embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide is administered to a subject (e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human) in an amount sufficient to result in stimulation of an immune cell in the subject.

In some examples of any of the methods described herein, the immune cell can be an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a memory T cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8⁺ T cell, a CD4⁺ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, or a natural killer cell, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, the immune cell has previously been genetically-modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor. In some examples, the immune cell (e.g., any of the immune cells described herein) has previously been genetically-modified to express a co-stimulatory molecule (e.g., CD28).

Some embodiments of these methods can further include, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell (e.g., any of the immune cells described herein) a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor. Some embodiments of these methods can further include, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell (e.g., any of the immune cells described herein) a nucleic acid encoding a co-stimulatory molecule (e.g., CD28).

Some embodiments of these methods can further include administering a therapeutically effective amount of the immune cell to a subject in need thereof (e.g., any of the exemplary subjects described herein).

In some examples, the subject can be a subject identified or diagnosed as having an age-related disease or condition. Non-limiting examples of age-related diseases or disorders include: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

In some examples, the subject can be a subject that has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer. Non-limiting examples of cancers include: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

In some examples, the subject can be a subject that has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease. Non-limiting examples of infectious disease include infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, or influenza virus.

Activation of an immune cell can be determined using methods known in the art. For example, activation of an immune cell can be determined by detecting the levels of cytokines and chemokines that are secreted upon activation of an immune cell. Non-limiting examples of cytokines, chemokines, and regulatory molecules that are secreted or upregulated upon activation of an immune cell include: IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-33, leukotriene B4, CCL5, TNFα, granzymes, perforin, TGFβ, STAT3, RORγT, FOXP3, STATE, and GATA3. The detection of these cytokines and chemokines or regulatory molecules can be performed using an immunoassay (e.g., an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or quantitative PCR. For example, activation of an immune cell can result in an increase of about 1% to about 800% (e.g., about 1% to about 750%, about 1% to about 700%, about 1% to about 650%, about 1% to about 600%, about 1% to about 550%, about 1% to about 500%, about 1% to about 450%, about 1% to about 400%, about 1% to about 350%, about 1% to about 300%, about 1% to about 280%, about 1% to about 260%, about 1% to about 240%, about 1% to about 220%, about 1% to about 200%, about 1% to about 180%, about 1% to about 160%, about 1% to about 140%, about 1% to about 120%, about 1% to about 100%, about 1% to about 90%, about 1% to about 80%, about 1% to about 70%, about 1% to about 60%, about 1% to about 50%, about 1% to about 45%, about 1% to about 40%, about 1% to about 35%, about 1% to about 30%, about 1% to about 25%, about 1% to about 20%, about 1% to about 15%, about 1% to about 10%, about 1% to about 5%, about 5% to about 800%, about 5% to about 750%, about 5% to about 700%, about 5% to about 650%, about 5% to about 600%, about 5% to about 550%, about 5% to about 500%, about 5% to about 450%, about 5% to about 400%, about 5% to about 350%, about 5% to about 300%, about 5% to about 280%, about 5% to about 260%, about 5% to about 240%, about 5% to about 220%, about 5% to about 200%, about 5% to about 180%, about 5% to about 160%, about 5% to about 140%, about 5% to about 120%, about 5% to about 100%, about 5% to about 90%, about 5% to about 80%, about 5% to about 70%, about 5% to about 60%, about 5% to about 50%, about 5% to about 45%, about 5% to about 40%, about 5% to about 35%, about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 25%, about 5% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%, about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 800%, about 10% to about 750%, about 10% to about 700%, about 10% to about 650%, about 10% to about 600%, about 10% to about 550%, about 10% to about 500%, about 10% to about 450%, about 10% to about 400%, about 10% to about 350%, about 10% to about 300%, about 10% to about 280%, about 10% to about 260%, about 10% to about 240%, about 10% to about 220%, about 10% to about 200%, about 10% to about 180%, about 10% to about 160%, about 10% to about 140%, about 10% to about 120%, about 10% to about 100%, about 10% to about 90%, about 10% to about 80%, about 10% to about 70%, about 10% to about 60%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to about 45%, about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 35%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about 25%, about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 800%, about 15% to about 750%, about 15% to about 700%, about 15% to about 650%, about 15% to about 600%, about 15% to about 550%, about 15% to about 500%, about 15% to about 450%, about 15% to about 400%, about 15% to about 350%, about 15% to about 300%, about 15% to about 280%, about 15% to about 260%, about 15% to about 240%, about 15% to about 220%, about 15% to about 200%, about 15% to about 180%, about 15% to about 160%, about 15% to about 140%, about 15% to about 120%, about 15% to about 100%, about 15% to about 90%, about 15% to about 80%, about 15% to about 70%, about 15% to about 60%, about 15% to about 50%, about 15% to about 45%, about 15% to about 40%, about 15% to about 35%, about 15% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%, about 15% to about 20%, about 20% to about 800%, about 20% to about 750%, about 20% to about 700%, about 20% to about 650%, about 20% to about 600%, about 20% to about 550%, about 20% to about 500%, about 20% to about 450%, about 20% to about 400%, about 20% to about 350%, about 20% to about 300%, about 20% to about 280%, about 20% to about 260%, about 20% to about 240%, about 20% to about 220%, about 20% to about 200%, about 20% to about 180%, about 20% to about 160%, about 20% to about 140%, about 20% to about 120%, about 20% to about 100%, about 20% to about 90%, about 20% to about 80%, about 20% to about 70%, about 20% to about 60%, about 20% to about 50%, about 20% to about 45%, about 20% to about 40%, about 20% to about 35%, about 20% to about 30%, about 20% to about 25%, about 25% to about 800%, about 25% to about 750%, about 25% to about 700%, about 25% to about 650%, about 25% to about 600%, about 25% to about 550%, about 25% to about 500%, about 25% to about 450%, about 25% to about 400%, about 25% to about 350%, about 25% to about 300%, about 25% to about 280%, about 25% to about 260%, about 25% to about 240%, about 25% to about 220%, about 25% to about 200%, about 25% to about 180%, about 25% to about 160%, about 25% to about 140%, about 25% to about 120%, about 25% to about 100%, about 25% to about 90%, about 25% to about 80%, about 25% to about 70%, about 25% to about 60%, about 25% to about 50%, about 25% to about 45%, about 25% to about 40%, about 25% to about 35%, about 35% to about 800%, about 35% to about 750%, about 35% to about 700%, about 35% to about 650%, about 35% to about 600%, about 35% to about 550%, about 35% to about 500%, about 35% to about 450%, about 35% to about 400%, about 35% to about 350%, about 35% to about 300%, about 35% to about 280%, about 35% to about 260%, about 35% to about 240%, about 35% to about 220%, about 35% to about 200%, about 35% to about 180%, about 35% to about 160%, about 35% to about 140%, about 35% to about 120%, about 35% to about 100%, about 35% to about 90%, about 35% to about 80%, about 35% to about 70%, about 35% to about 60%, about 35% to about 50%, about 35% to about 45%, about 35% to about 40%, about 40% to about 800%, about 40% to about 750%, about 40% to about 700%, about 40% to about 650%, about 40% to about 600%, about 40% to about 550%, about 40% to about 500%, about 40% to about 450%, about 40% to about 400%, about 40% to about 350%, about 40% to about 300%, about 40% to about 280%, about 40% to about 260%, about 40% to about 240%, about 40% to about 220%, about 40% to about 200%, about 40% to about 180%, about 40% to about 160%, about 40% to about 140%, about 40% to about 120%, about 40% to about 100%, about 40% to about 90%, about 40% to about 80%, about 40% to about 70%, about 40% to about 60%, about 40% to about 50%, about 40% to about 45%, about 45% to about 800%, about 45% to about 750%, about 45% to about 700%, about 45% to about 650%, about 45% to about 600%, about 45% to about 550%, about 45% to about 500%, about 45% to about 450%, about 45% to about 400%, about 45% to about 350%, about 45% to about 300%, about 45% to about 280%, about 45% to about 260%, about 45% to about 240%, about 45% to about 220%, about 45% to about 200%, about 45% to about 180%, about 45% to about 160%, about 45% to about 140%, about 45% to about 120%, about 45% to about 100%, about 45% to about 90%, about 45% to about 80%, about 45% to about 70%, about 45% to about 60%, about 45% to about 50%, about 50% to about 800%, about 50% to about 750%, about 50% to about 700%, about 50% to about 650%, about 50% to about 600%, about 50% to about 550%, about 50% to about 500%, about 50% to about 450%, about 50% to about 400%, about 50% to about 350%, about 50% to about 300%, about 50% to about 280%, about 50% to about 260%, about 50% to about 240%, about 50% to about 220%, about 50% to about 200%, about 50% to about 180%, about 50% to about 160%, about 50% to about 140%, about 50% to about 120%, about 50% to about 100%, about 50% to about 90%, about 50% to about 80%, about 50% to about 70%, about 50% to about 60%, about 60% to about 800%, about 60% to about 750%, about 60% to about 700%, about 60% to about 650%, about 60% to about 600%, about 60% to about 550%, about 60% to about 500%, about 60% to about 450%, about 60% to about 400%, about 60% to about 350%, about 60% to about 300%, about 60% to about 280%, about 60% to about 260%, about 60% to about 240%, about 60% to about 220%, about 60% to about 200%, about 60% to about 180%, about 60% to about 160%, about 60% to about 140%, about 60% to about 120%, about 60% to about 100%, about 60% to about 90%, about 60% to about 80%, about 60% to about 70%, about 70% to about 800%, about 70% to about 750%, about 70% to about 700%, about 70% to about 650%, about 70% to about 600%, about 70% to about 550%, about 70% to about 500%, about 70% to about 450%, about 70% to about 400%, about 70% to about 350%, about 70% to about 300%, about 70% to about 280%, about 70% to about 260%, about 70% to about 240%, about 70% to about 220%, about 70% to about 200%, about 70% to about 180%, about 70% to about 160%, about 70% to about 140%, about 70% to about 120%, about 70% to about 100%, about 70% to about 90%, about 70% to about 80%, about 80% to about 800%, about 80% to about 750%, about 80% to about 700%, about 80% to about 650%, about 80% to about 600%, about 80% to about 550%, about 80% to about 500%, about 80% to about 450%, about 80% to about 400%, about 80% to about 350%, about 80% to about 300%, about 80% to about 280%, about 80% to about 260%, about 80% to about 240%, about 80% to about 220%, about 80% to about 200%, about 80% to about 180%, about 80% to about 160%, about 80% to about 140%, about 80% to about 120%, about 80% to about 100%, about 80% to about 90%, about 90% to about 800%, about 90% to about 750%, about 90% to about 700%, about 90% to about 650%, about 90% to about 600%, about 90% to about 550%, about 90% to about 500%, about 90% to about 450%, about 90% to about 400%, about 90% to about 350%, about 90% to about 300%, about 90% to about 280%, about 90% to about 260%, about 90% to about 240%, about 90% to about 220%, about 90% to about 200%, about 90% to about 180%, about 90% to about 160%, about 90% to about 140%, about 90% to about 120%, about 90% to about 100%, about 100% to about 800%, about 100% to about 750%, about 100% to about 700%, about 100% to about 650%, about 100% to about 600%, about 100% to about 550%, about 100% to about 500%, about 100% to about 450%, about 100% to about 400%, about 100% to about 350%, about 100% to about 300%, about 100% to about 280%, about 100% to about 260%, about 100% to about 240%, about 100% to about 220%, about 100% to about 200%, about 100% to about 180%, about 100% to about 160%, about 100% to about 140%, about 100% to about 120%, about 120% to about 800%, about 120% to about 750%, about 120% to about 700%, about 120% to about 650%, about 120% to about 600%, about 120% to about 550%, about 120% to about 500%, about 120% to about 450%, about 120% to about 400%, about 120% to about 350%, about 120% to about 300%, about 120% to about 280%, about 120% to about 260%, about 120% to about 240%, about 120% to about 220%, about 120% to about 200%, about 120% to about 180%, about 120% to about 160%, about 120% to about 140%, about 140% to about 800%, about 140% to about 750%, about 140% to about 700%, about 140% to about 650%, about 140% to about 600%, about 140% to about 550%, about 140% to about 500%, about 140% to about 450%, about 140% to about 400%, about 140% to about 350%, about 140% to about 300%, about 140% to about 280%, about 140% to about 260%, about 140% to about 240%, about 140% to about 220%, about 140% to about 200%, about 140% to about 180%, about 140% to about 160%, about 160% to about 800%, about 160% to about 750%, about 160% to about 700%, about 160% to about 650%, about 160% to about 600%, about 160% to about 550%, about 160% to about 500%, about 160% to about 450%, about 160% to about 400%, about 160% to about 350%, about 160% to about 300%, about 160% to about 280%, about 160% to about 260%, about 160% to about 240%, about 160% to about 220%, about 160% to about 200%, about 160% to about 180%, about 180% to about 800%, about 180% to about 750%, about 180% to about 700%, about 180% to about 650%, about 180% to about 600%, about 180% to about 550%, about 180% to about 500%, about 180% to about 450%, about 180% to about 400%, about 180% to about 350%, about 180% to about 300%, about 180% to about 280%, about 180% to about 260%, about 180% to about 240%, about 180% to about 220%, about 180% to about 200%, about 200% to about 800%, about 200% to about 750%, about 200% to about 700%, about 200% to about 650%, about 200% to about 600%, about 200% to about 550%, about 200% to about 500%, about 200% to about 450%, about 200% to about 400%, about 200% to about 350%, about 200% to about 300%, about 200% to about 280%, about 200% to about 260%, about 200% to about 240%, about 200% to about 220%, about 220% to about 800%, about 220% to about 750%, about 220% to about 700%, about 220% to about 650%, about 220% to about 600%, about 220% to about 550%, about 220% to about 500%, about 220% to about 450%, about 220% to about 400%, about 220% to about 350%, about 220% to about 300%, about 220% to about 280%, about 220% to about 260%, about 220% to about 240%, about 240% to about 800%, about 240% to about 750%, about 240% to about 700%, about 240% to about 650%, about 240% to about 600%, about 240% to about 550%, about 240% to about 500%, about 240% to about 450%, about 240% to about 400%, about 240% to about 350%, about 240% to about 300%, about 240% to about 280%, about 240% to about 260%, about 260% to about 800%, about 260% to about 750%, about 260% to about 700%, about 260% to about 650%, about 260% to about 600%, about 260% to about 550%, about 260% to about 500%, about 260% to about 450%, about 260% to about 400%, about 260% to about 350%, about 260% to about 300%, about 260% to about 280%, about 280% to about 800%, about 280% to about 750%, about 280% to about 700%, about 280% to about 650%, about 280% to about 600%, about 280% to about 550%, about 280% to about 500%, about 280% to about 450%, about 280% to about 400%, about 280% to about 350%, about 280% to about 300%, about 300% to about 800%, about 300% to about 750%, about 300% to about 700%, about 300% to about 650%, about 300% to about 600%, about 300% to about 550%, about 300% to about 500%, about 300% to about 450%, about 300% to about 400%, about 300% to about 350%, about 350% to about 800%, about 350% to about 750%, about 350% to about 700%, about 350% to about 650%, about 350% to about 600%, about 350% to about 550%, about 350% to about 500%, about 350% to about 450%, about 350% to about 400%, about 400% to about 800%, about 400% to about 750%, about 400% to about 700%, about 400% to about 650%, about 400% to about 600%, about 400% to about 550%, about 400% to about 500%, about 400% to about 450%, about 450% to about 800%, about 450% to about 750%, about 450% to about 700%, about 450% to about 650%, about 450% to about 600%, about 450% to about 550%, about 450% to about 500%, about 500% to about 800%, about 500% to about 750%, about 500% to about 700%, about 500% to about 650%, about 500% to about 600%, about 500% to about 550%, about 550% to about 800%, about 550% to about 750%, about 550% to about 700%, about 550% to about 650%, about 550% to about 600%, about 600% to about 800%, about 600% to about 750%, about 600% to about 700%, about 600% to about 650%, about 650% to about 800%, about 650% to about 750%, about 650% to about 700%, about 700% to about 800%, about 700% to about 750%, or about 750% to about 800%) of one or more of any of the cytokines or chemokines or regulatory molecules described herein (e.g., one or more of any of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-33, leukotriene B4, CCL5, TNFα, granzymes, perforin, TGFβ, STAT3, RORγT, FOXP3, STATE, and GATA3) (e.g., as compared to the level of the one or more cytokines and chemokines in a control not contacted with any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein).

Methods of Inducing or Increasing Proliferation of an Immune Cell

Also provided herein are methods of inducing or increasing proliferation of an immune cell (e.g., any of the exemplary immune cells described herein or known in the art) that include contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein or any of the compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) described herein. In some examples, the immune cell is contacted in vitro (e.g., in a suitable liquid culture medium under conditions sufficient to result in stimulation of the immune cell).

In some examples, the immune cell has been previously obtained from a subject (e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human). Some embodiments of these methods further include obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step.

In some examples, the immune cell is contacted in vivo. In such embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide is administered to a subject (e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human) in an amount sufficient to result in stimulation of an immune cell in the subject.

In some examples of any of the methods described herein, the immune cell can be an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a memory T cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8⁺ T cell, a CD4⁺ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, or a natural killer cell, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, the immune cell has previously been genetically-modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor. In some examples, the immune cell (e.g., any of the immune cells described herein) has previously been genetically-modified to express a co-stimulatory molecule (e.g., CD28).

Some embodiments of these methods can further include, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell (e.g., any of the immune cells described herein) a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor. Some embodiments of these methods can further include, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell (e.g., any of the immune cells described herein) a nucleic acid encoding a co-stimulatory molecule (e.g., CD28).

Some embodiments of these methods can further include administering a therapeutically effective amount of the immune cell to a subject in need thereof (e.g., any of the exemplary subjects described herein).

In some examples, the subject can be a subject identified or diagnosed as having an age-related disease or condition. Non-limiting examples of age-related diseases or disorders include: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

In some examples, the subject can be a subject that has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer. Non-limiting examples of cancers include: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

In some examples, the subject can be a subject that has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease. Non-limiting examples of infectious disease include infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, or influenza virus.

Detection of the proliferation of an immune cell can be performed using methods known in the art, e.g., cytometry (e.g., fluorescence-assisted flow cytometry), microscopy, and immunofluorescence microscopy, e.g., by comparing the rate of increase in the concentration of the immune cell in a sample not contacted with a single-chain chimeric polypeptide to the rate of increase in the concentration of the immune cell in a similar sample contacted with any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein).

In other examples, the proliferation of an immune cell can be indirectly detected by detecting an increase in the level of one or more cytokines or chemokines secreted or regulatory molecules by proliferating immune cells (e.g., one or more of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-33, leukotriene B4, CCL5, TNFα, granzymes, perforin, TGFβ, STAT3, RORγT, FOXP3, STATE, and GATA3) (e.g., as compared to the level of the one or more cytokines and chemokines in a control not contacted with any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein).

In some embodiments, the methods provided herein can result in an increase (e.g., about 1% to about 800% increase, or any of the subranges of this range described herein) in the rate of increase in the concentration of the immune cell in a sample contacted with any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein as compared to the rate of increase in a similar control sample not contacted with any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein.

Methods of Inducing Differentiation of an Immune Cell

Also provided herein are method of inducing differentiation of an immune cell (e.g., any of the exemplary immune cells described herein or known in the art) into a memory or memory-like immune cell that include contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein or any of the compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) described herein. In some examples, the immune cell is contacted in vitro (e.g., in a suitable liquid culture medium under conditions sufficient to result in stimulation of the immune cell).

In some examples, the immune cell has been previously obtained from a subject (e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human). Some embodiments of these methods further include obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step.

In some examples, the immune cell is contacted in vivo. In such embodiments, the single-chain chimeric polypeptide is administered to a subject (e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human) in an amount sufficient to result in stimulation of an immune cell in the subject.

In some examples of any of the methods described herein, the immune cell can be an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8+ T cell, a CD4+ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, or a natural killer cell, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, the immune cell has previously been genetically-modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor. In some examples, the immune cell (e.g., any of the immune cells described herein) has previously been genetically-modified to express a co-stimulatory molecule (e.g., CD28).

Some embodiments of these methods can further include, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell (e.g., any of the immune cells described herein) a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor. Some embodiments of these methods can further include, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell (e.g., any of the immune cells described herein) a nucleic acid encoding a co-stimulatory molecule (e.g., CD28).

Some embodiments of these methods can further include administering a therapeutically effective amount of the immune cell to a subject in need thereof (e.g., any of the exemplary subjects described herein).

In some examples, the subject can be a subject identified or diagnosed as having an age-related disease or condition. Non-limiting examples of age-related diseases or disorders include: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

In some examples, the subject can be a subject that has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer. Non-limiting examples of cancers include: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

In some examples, the subject can be a subject that has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease. Non-limiting examples of infectious disease include infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, or influenza virus.

In some examples, the immune cell is a NK cell, and the detection of a memory NK cell can include, e.g., the detection of the increased level of one or more of CD25, CD69, CD62L, IL-12, IL-18, IL-33, STAT4, STAT5, Zbtb32, DNAM-1, NKp30, NKp40, NKp46, BIM, Noxa, SOCS1, BNIP3, BNIP3L, IFN-γ, CXCL16, CXCR6, NKG2D, TRAIL, CD49, Ly49D, CD49b, and Ly79H. A description of NK memory cells and methods of detecting the same is described in O'Sullivan et al., Immunity 43:634-645, 2015.

In some examples, the immune cell is a T cell, and the detection of memory T cells can include, e.g., the detection of the level of expression of one or more of CD45RO, CCR7, L-selectin (CD62L), CD44, CD45RA, integrin αeβ7, CD43, CD27, CD28, IL-7Rα, CD95, IL-2Rβ, CXCR3, and LFA-1. In some examples, the immune cell is a B cell and the detection of memory B cells can include, e.g., the detection of the level of expression of CD27. Other types and markers of memory or memory-like immune cells are known in the art.

Methods of Treatment

Also provided herein are methods of treating a subject in need thereof (e.g., any of the exemplary subjects described herein or known in the art) that include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein or any of the compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) described herein.

In some embodiments of these methods, the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer. Non-limiting examples of cancer include: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In some embodiments, these methods can result in a reduction in the number, severity, or frequency of one or more symptoms of the cancer in the subject (e.g., as compared to the number, severity, or frequency of the one or more symptoms of the cancer in the subject prior to treatment). In some embodiments, these methods can result in a reduction (e.g., about 1% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 50% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 45% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 40% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 35% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 30% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 25% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 20% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 15% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 10% reduction, about 1% reduction to about 5% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 50% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 45% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 40% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 35% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 30% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 25% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 20% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 15% reduction, about 5% reduction to about 10% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 50% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 45% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 40% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 35% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 30% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 25% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 20% reduction, about 10% reduction to about 15% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 50% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 45% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 40% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 35% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 30% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 25% reduction, about 15% reduction to about 20% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 50% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 45% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 40% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 35% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 30% reduction, about 20% reduction to about 25% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 50% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 45% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 40% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 35% reduction, about 25% reduction to about 30% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 50% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 45% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 40% reduction, about 30% reduction to about 35% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 50% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 45% reduction, about 35% reduction to about 40% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 50% reduction, about 40% reduction to about 45% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 45% reduction to about 50% reduction, about 50% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 50% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 50% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 50% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 50% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 50% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 50% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 50% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 50% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 50% reduction to about 55% reduction, about 55% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 55% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 55% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 55% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 55% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 55% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 55% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 55% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 55% reduction to about 60% reduction, about 60% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 60% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 60% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 60% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 60% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 60% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 60% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 60% reduction to about 65% reduction, about 65% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 65% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 65% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 65% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 65% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 65% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 65% reduction to about 70% reduction, about 70% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 70% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 70% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 70% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 70% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 70% reduction to about 75% reduction, about 75% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 75% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 75% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 75% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 75% reduction to about 80% reduction, about 80% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 80% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 80% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 80% reduction to about 85% reduction, about 85% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 85% reduction to about 95% reduction, about 85% reduction to about 90% reduction, about 90% reduction to about 99% reduction, about 90% reduction to about 95% reduction, or about 95% reduction to about 99% reduction) in the volume of one or more solid tumors in the subject (e.g., as compared to the volume of the one or more solid tumors prior to treatment or at the start of treatment). In some embodiments, the these methods can reduce (e.g., about 1% reduction to about 99% reduction, or any of the subranges of this range described herein) the risk of developing a metastasis or developing one or more additional metastasis in a subject (e.g., as compared to the risk of developing a metastasis or developing one or more additional metastasis in a subject prior to treatment or in a similar subject or a population of subjects administered a different treatment).

In some examples of these methods, the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an aging-related disease or condition. Non-limiting examples of aging-related diseases and conditions include Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction. In some examples, these methods can result in a reduction in the number, severity, or frequency of one or more symptoms of the aging-related disease or condition in the subject (e.g., as compared to the number, severity, or frequency of the one or more symptoms of the aging-related disease or condition in the subject prior to treatment). In some examples, the methods can result in a decrease (e.g., about 1% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 1% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 1% to about 70% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 50% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 45% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 40% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 35% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 30% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 25% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 20% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 15% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 10% decrease, about 1% decrease to about 5% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 5% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 5% to about 70% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 50% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 45% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 40% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 35% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 30% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 25% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 20% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 15% decrease, about 5% decrease to about 10% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 10% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 10% to about 70% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 50% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 45% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 40% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 35% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 30% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 25% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 20% decrease, about 10% decrease to about 15% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 15% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 15% to about 70% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 50% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 45% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 40% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 35% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 30% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 25% decrease, about 15% decrease to about 20% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 20% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 20% to about 70% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 50% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 45% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 40% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 35% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 30% decrease, about 20% decrease to about 25% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 25% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 25% to about 70% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 50% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 45% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 40% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 35% decrease, about 25% decrease to about 30% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 30% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 30% to about 70% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 50% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 45% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 40% decrease, about 30% decrease to about 35% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 35% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 35% to about 70% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 50% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 45% decrease, about 35% decrease to about 40% decrease, about 40% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 40% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 40% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 40% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 40% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 40% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 40% to about 70% decrease, about 40% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 40% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 40% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 40% decrease to about 50% decrease, about 40% decrease to about 45% decrease, about 45% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 45% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 45% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 45% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 45% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 45% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 45% to about 70% decrease, about 45% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 45% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 45% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 45% decrease to about 50% decrease, about 50% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 50% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 50% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 50% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 50% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 50% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 50% to about 70% decrease, about 50% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 50% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 50% decrease to about 55% decrease, about 55% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 55% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 55% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 55% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 55% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 55% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 55% to about 70% decrease, about 55% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 55% decrease to about 60% decrease, about 60% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 60% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 60% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 60% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 60% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 60% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 60% to about 70% decrease, about 60% decrease to about 65% decrease, about 65% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 65% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 65% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 65% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 65% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 65% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 65% to about 70% decrease, about 70% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 70% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 70% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 70% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 70% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 70% decrease to about 75% decrease, about 75% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 75% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 75% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 75% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 75% decrease to about 80% decrease, about 80% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 80% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 80% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 80% decrease to about 85% decrease, about 85% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 85% decrease to about 95% decrease, about 85% decrease to about 90% decrease, about 90% decrease to about 99% decrease, an about 90% decrease to about 95% decrease, or about 95% decrease to about 99% decrease) in the number of senescent cells in the subject (e.g., a decrease in the number of senescent cells in one or more specific tissues involved and/or implicated in the aging-related disease or disorder in the subject), e.g., as compared to the number of senescent cells in the subject prior to treatment.

In some examples of these methods, the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease. Non-limiting examples of infectious disease include infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus. In some embodiments, these methods can result in a decrease in the infectious titer (e.g., viral titer) in a subject (e.g., as compared to the infectious titer in the subject prior to treatment). In some embodiments, these methods can result in a reduction in the number, severity, or frequency of one or more symptoms of the infectious disease (e.g., viral infection) in the subject (e.g., as compared to the number, severity, or frequency of the one or more symptoms of the infectious disease in the subject prior to treatment).

The term “subject” refers to any mammal. In some embodiments, the subject or “subject in need of treatment” may be a canine (e.g., a dog), feline (e.g., a cat), equine (e.g., a horse), ovine, bovine, porcine, caprine, primate, e.g., a simian (e.g., a monkey (e.g., marmoset, baboon), or an ape (e.g., a gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan, or gibbon) or a human; or rodent (e.g., a mouse, a guinea pig, a hamster, or a rat). In some embodiments, the subject or “subject in need of treatment” may be a non-human mammal, especially mammals that are conventionally used as models for demonstrating therapeutic efficacy in humans (e.g., murine, lapine, porcine, canine or primate animals) may be employed.

Methods of Killing a Cancer Cell, an Infected Cell, or a Senescent Cell

Also provided herein are methods of killing a cancer cell (e.g., any of the exemplary types of cancer described herein or known in the art), an infected cell (e.g., a cell infected with any of the exemplary viruses described herein or known in the art), or a senescent cell (e.g., a senescent cancer cell, a senescent fibroblast, or a senescent endothelial cell) in a subject in need thereof (e.g., any of the exemplary subjects described herein or known in the art) that include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein or any of the compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) described herein.

In some embodiments of these methods, the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer. Non-limiting examples of cancer include: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

In some examples of these methods, the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an aging-related disease or condition. Non-limiting examples of aging-related diseases and conditions include Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

In some examples of these methods, the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease. Non-limiting examples of an infectious disease include infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Senescent Cells

Senescence is a form of irreversible growth arrest accompanied by phenotypic changes, resistance to apoptosis and activation of damage-sensing signaling pathways. Cellular senescence was first described in cultured human fibroblast cells that lost their ability to proliferate, reaching permanent arrest after about 50 population doublings (referred to as the Hayflick limit). Senescence is considered a stress response that can be induced by a wide range of intrinsic and extrinsic insults, including oxidative and genotoxic stress, DNA damage, telomere attrition, oncogenic activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, or chemotherapeutic agents.

Senescent cells remain metabolically active and can influence the tissue hemostasis, disease and aging through their secretory phenotype. Senescence is considered as a physiologic process and is important in promoting wound healing, tissue homeostasis, regeneration, and fibrosis regulation. For instance, transient induction of senescent cells is observed during would healing and contributes to wound resolution. Perhaps one of the most important roles of senescence is its role in tumor suppression. However, the accumulation of senescent cells also drives aging- and aging-related diseases and conditions. The senescent phenotype also can trigger chronic inflammatory responses and consequently augment chronic inflammatory conditions to promote tumor growth. The connection between senescence and aging was initially based on observations that senescent cells accumulate in aged tissue. The use of transgenic models has enabled the detection of senescent cells systematically in many age-related pathologies. Strategies to selectively eliminate senescent cells has demonstrated that senescent cells can indeed play a causal role in aging and related pathologies.

Senescent cells display important and unique properties which include changes in morphology, chromatin organization, gene expression, and metabolism. There are several biochemical and functional properties associated with cellular senescence, such as (i) increased expression of p16 and p21, inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases, (ii) presence of senescence-associated β-galactosidase, a marker of lysosomal activity, (iii) appearance of senescence-associated heterochromatin foci and downregulation of lamin B1 levels, (iv) resistance to apoptosis caused by an increased expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-family protein, and (v) upregulation of CD26 (DPP4), CD36 (Scavenger receptor), forkhead box 4 (FOXO4), and secretory carrier membrane protein 4 (SCAMP4). Senescent cells also express an inflammatory signature, the so-called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Through SASP, the senescent cells produce a wide range of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8), growth factors (TGF-β), chemokines (CCL-2), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-3, MMP-9) that operate in a cell-autonomous manner to reinforce senescence (autocrine effects) and communicate with and modify the microenvironment (paracrine effects). SASP factors can contribute to tumor suppression by triggering senescence surveillance, an immune-mediated clearance of senescent cells. However, chronic inflammation is also a known driver of tumorigenesis, and accumulating evidence indicates that chronic SASP can also boost cancer and aging-related diseases.

The secretion profile of senescent cells is context dependent. For instance, the mitochondrial dysfunction-associated senescence (MiDAS), induced by different mitochondrial dysfunction in human fibroblasts, led to the appearance of a SASP that was deficient in IL-1-dependent inflammatory factors. A decrease in the NAD+/NADH ratio activated AMPK signaling which induced MiDAS through the activation of p53. As a result, p53 inhibited NF-κB signaling which is a crucial inducer of pro-inflammatory SASP. In contrast, the cellular senescence caused by persistent DNA damage in human cells induced an inflammatory SASP, which was dependent on the activation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase but not on that of p53. In particular, the expression and secretion levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were increased. It was also demonstrated that cellular senescence caused by the ectopic expression p16INK4a and p21CIP1 induced the senescent phenotype in human fibroblasts without an inflammatory SASP indicating that the growth arrest itself did not stimulate SASP.

One of the most defining characteristics of senescence is stable growth arrest. This is achieved by two important pathways, the p16/Rb and the p53/p21, both of which are central in tumor suppression. DNA damage results in: (1) high deposition of γH2Ax (histone coding gene) and 53BP1 (involved in DNA damage response) in chromatin: this leads to activation of a kinase cascade eventually resulting in p53 activation, and (2) activation of p16INK4a and ARF (both encoded by CDKN2A) and P15INK4b (encoded by CDKN2B): p53 induces transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21) and along with both p16INK4a and p15INK4b block genes for cell cycle progression (CDK4 and CDK6). This eventually leads to hypophosphorylation of Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase.

Selectively killing senescent cells has been shown to significantly improve the health span of mice in the context of normal aging and ameliorates the consequences of age-related disease or cancer therapy (Ovadya, J Clin Invest. 128(4):1247-1254, 2018). In nature, the senescent cells are normally removed by the innate immune cells. Induction of senescence not only prevents the potential proliferation and transformation of damaged/altered cells, but also favors tissue repair through the production of SASP factors that function as chemoattractants mainly for Natural Killer (NK) cells (such as IL-15 and CCL2) and macrophages (such as CFS-1 and CCL2). These innate immune cells mediate the immunosurveillance mechanism for eliminating stressed cells. Senescent cells usually up-regulate the NK-cell activating receptor NKG2D and DNAM1 ligands, which belong to a family of stress-inducible ligands: an important component of the frontline immune defense against infectious diseases and malignancies. Upon receptor activation, NK cells can then specifically induce the death of senescent cells through their cytolytic machinery. A role for NK cells in the immune surveillance of senescent cells has been pointed out in liver fibrosis (Sagiv, Oncogene 32(15): 1971-1977, 2013), hepatocellular carcinoma (Iannello, J Exp Med 210(10): 2057-2069, 2013), multiple myeloma (Soriani, Blood 113(15): 3503-3511, 2009), and glioma cells stressed by dysfunction of the mevalonate pathway (Ciaglia, Int J Cancer 142(1): 176-190, 2018). Endometrial cells undergo acute cellular senescence and do not differentiate into decidual cells. The differentiated decidual cells secrete IL-15 and thereby recruit uterine NK cells to target and eliminate the undifferentiated senescent cells thus helping to re-model and rejuvenate the endometrium (Brighton, Elife 6: e31274, 2017). With a similar mechanism, during liver fibrosis, p53-expressing senescent liver satellite cells skewed the polarization of resident Kupfer macrophages and freshly infiltrated macrophages toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype, which display senolytic activity. F4/80+ macrophages have been shown to play a key role in the clearance of mouse uterine senescent cells to maintain postpartum uterine function.

Senescent cells recruit NK cells by mainly upregulating ligands to NKG2D (expressed on NK cells), chemokines, and other SASP factors. In vivo models of liver fibrosis have shown effective clearance of senescent cells by activated NK cells (Krizhanovsky, Cell 134(4): 657-667, 2008). Studies have described various models to study senescence including liver fibrosis (Krizhanovsky, Cell 134(4): 657-667, 2008), osteoarthritis (Xu, J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 72(6): 780-785, 2017), and Parkinson's disease (Chinta, Cell Rep 22(4): 930-940, 2018). Animal models for studying senescent cells are described in: Krizhanovsky, Cell 134(4): 657-667, 2008; Baker, Nature 479(7372): 232-236, 2011; Farr, Nat Med 23(9): 1072-1079, 2017; Bourgeois, FEBS Lett 592(12): 2083-2097, 2018; Xu, Nat Med 24(8): 1246-1256, 2018).

Additional Therapeutic Agents

Some embodiments of any of the methods described herein can further include administering to a subject (e.g., any of the subjects described herein) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more additional therapeutic agents. The one or more additional therapeutic agents can be administered to the subject at substantially the same time as a single-chain chimeric polypeptide (e.g., any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein) or an immune cell (e.g., administered as a single formulation or two or more formulations to the subject). In some embodiments, one or more additional therapeutic agents can be administered to the subject prior to administration of a single-chain chimeric polypeptide (e.g., any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein) or an immune cell. In some embodiments, one or more additional therapeutic agents can be administered to the subject after administration of a single-chain chimeric polypeptide (e.g., any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides described herein) or an immune cell to the subject.

Non-limiting examples of additional therapeutic agents include: anti-cancer drugs, activating receptor agonists, immune checkpoint inhibitors, agents for blocking HLA-specific inhibitory receptors, Glucogen Synthase Kinase (GSK) 3 inhibitors, and antibodies.

Non-limiting examples of anticancer drugs include antimetabolic drugs (e.g., 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), capecitabine, cytarabine, floxuridine, fludarabine, gemcitabine, hydroxycarbamide, methotrexate, 6-thioguanine, cladribine, nelarabine, pentostatin, or pemetrexed), plant alkaloids (e.g., vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, camptothecin, 9-methoxycamptothecin, coronaridine, taxol, naucleaorals, diprenylated indole alkaloid, montamine, schischkiniin, protoberberine, berberine, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, chelidonine, liriodenine, clivorine, β-carboline, antofine, tylophorine, cryptolepine, neocryptolepine, corynoline, sampangine, carbazole, crinamine, montanine, ellipticine, paclitaxel, docetaxel, etoposide, tenisopide, irinotecan, topotecan, or acridone alkaloids), proteasome inhibitors (e.g., lactacystin, disulfiram, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, marizomib (salinosporamide A), oprozomib (ONX-0912), delanzomib (CEP-18770), epoxomicin, MG132, beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, bortezomib, carfilzomib, or ixazomib), antitumor antibiotics (e.g., doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, mitoxantrone, idarubicin, actinomycin, plicamycin, mitomycin, or bleomycin), histone deacetylase inhibitors (e.g., vorinostat, panobinostat, belinostat, givinostat, abexinostat, depsipeptide, entinostat, phenyl butyrate, valproic acid, trichostatin A, dacinostat, mocetinostat, pracinostat, nicotinamide, cambinol, tenovin 1, tenovin 6, sirtinol, ricolinostat, tefinostat, kevetrin, quisinostat, resminostat, tacedinaline, chidamide, or selisistat), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., axitinib, dasatinib, encorafinib, erlotinib, imatinib, nilotinib, pazopanib, and sunitinib), and chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., all-trans retinoic acid, azacitidine, azathioprine, doxifluridine, epothilone, hydroxyurea, imatinib, teniposide, tioguanine, valrubicin, vemurafenib, and lenalidomide). Additional examples of chemotherapeutic agents include alkylating agents, e.g., mechlorethamine, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan, ifosfamide, thiotepa, hexamethylmelamine, busulfan, altretamine, procarbazine, dacarbazine, temozolomide, carmustine, lumustine, streptozocin, carboplatin, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin.

Non-limiting examples of activating receptor agonists include any agonists for activating receptors which activate and enhance the cytotoxicity of NK cells, including anti-CD16 antibodies (e.g., anti-CD16/CD30 bispecific monoclonal antibody (BiMAb)) and Fc-based fusion proteins. Non-limiting examples of checkpoint inhibitors include anti-PD-1 antibodies (e.g., MEDI0680), anti-PD-L1 antibodies (e.g., BCD-135, BGB-A333, CBT-502, CK-301, CS1001, FAZ053, KN035, MDX-1105, MSB2311, SHR-1316, anti-PD-L1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody KN046, anti-PD-L1/TGFβRII fusion protein M7824, anti-PD-L1/TIM-3 bispecific antibody LY3415244, atezolizumab, or avelumab), anti-TIM3 antibodies (e.g., TSR-022, Sym023, or MBG453) and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies (e.g., AGEN1884, MK-1308, or an anti-CTLA-4/OX40 bispecific antibody ATOR-1015). Non-limiting examples of agents for blocking HLA-specific inhibitory receptors include monalizumab (e.g., an anti-HLA-E NKG2A inhibitory receptor monoclonal antibody). Non-limiting examples of GSK3 inhibitor include tideglusib or CHIR99021. Non-limiting examples of antibodies that can be used as additional therapeutic agents include anti-CD26 antibodies (e.g., YS110), anti-CD36 antibodies, and any other antibody or antibody construct that can bind to and activate an Fc receptor (e.g., CD16) on a NK cell. In some embodiments, an additional therapeutic agent can be insulin or metformin.

EXAMPLES

The invention is further described in the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims.

Example 1. Production of an Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptides

An exemplary single-chain chimeric polypeptide including a first target-binding domain that is an anti-CD3 scFv, a soluble human tissue factor domain, and a second target-binding domain that is an anti-CD28 scFv was generated (αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv) (FIG. 1). The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of this single-chain chimeric polypeptide are shown below.

Nucleic Acid Encoding Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide (αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv) (SEQ ID NO: 4) (Signal peptide) ATGAAGTGGGTGACCTTCATCAGCTTATTATTTTTATTCAGCTCCGCCTAT TCC (αCD3 light chain variable region) CAGATCGTGCTGACCCAAAGCCCCGCCATCATGAGCGCTAGCCCCGGTGAG AAGGTGACCATGACATGCTCCGCTTCCAGCTCCGTGTCCTACATGAACTGG TATCAGCAGAAAAGCGGAACCAGCCCCAAAAGGTGGATCTACGACACCAGC AAGCTGGCCTCCGGAGTGCCCGCTCATTTCCGGGGCTCTGGATCCGGCACC AGCTACTCTTTAACCATTTCCGGCATGGAAGCTGAAGACGCTGCCACCTAC TATTGCCAGCAATGGAGCAGCAACCCCTTCACATTCGGATCTGGCACCAAG CTCGAAATCAATCGT (Linker) GGAGGAGGTGGCAGCGGCGGCGGTGGATCCGGCGGAGGAGGAAGC (αCD3 heavy chain variable region) CAAGTTCAACTCCAGCAGAGCGGCGCTGAACTGGCCCGGCCCGGCGCCTCC GTCAAGATGAGCTGCAAGGCTTCCGGCTATACATTTACTCGTTACACAATG CATTGGGTCAAGCAGAGGCCCGGTCAAGGTTTAGAGTGGATCGGATATATC AACCCTTCCCGGGGCTACACCAACTATAACCAAAAGTTCAAGGATAAAGCC ACTTTAACCACTGACAAGAGCTCCTCCACCGCCTACATGCAGCTGTCCTCT TTAACCAGCGAGGACTCCGCTGTTTACTACTGCGCTAGGTATTACGACGAC CACTACTGTTTAGACTATTGGGGACAAGGTACCACTTTAACCGTCAGCAGC (Human tissue factor 219 form) TCCGGCACCACCAATACCGTGGCCGCTTATAACCTCACATGGAAGAGCACC AACTTCAAGACAATTCTGGAATGGGAACCCAAGCCCGTCAATCAAGTTTAC ACCGTGCAGATCTCCACCAAATCCGGAGACTGGAAGAGCAAGTGCTTCTAC ACAACAGACACCGAGTGTGATTTAACCGACGAAATCGTCAAGGACGTCAAG CAAACCTATCTGGCTCGGGTCTTTTCCTACCCCGCTGGCAATGTCGAGTCC ACCGGCTCCGCTGGCGAGCCTCTCTACGAGAATTCCCCCGAATTCACCCCT TATTTAGAGACCAATTTAGGCCAGCCTACCATCCAGAGCTTCGAGCAAGTT GGCACCAAGGTGAACGTCACCGTCGAGGATGAAAGGACTTTAGTGCGGCGG AATAACACATTTTTATCCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGACCTCATCTAC ACACTGTACTATTGGAAGTCCAGCTCCTCCGGCAAAAAGACCGCTAAGACC AACACCAACGAGTTTTTAATTGACGTGGACAAAGGCGAGAACTACTGCTTC AGCGTGCAAGCCGTGATCCCTTCTCGTACCGTCAACCGGAAGAGCACAGAT TCCCCCGTTGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGTTCCGGGAG (αCD28 light chain variable region) GTCCAGCTGCAGCAGAGCGGACCCGAACTCGTGAAACCCGGTGCTTCCGTG AAAATGTCTTGTAAGGCCAGCGGATACACCTTCACCTCCTATGTGATCCAG TGGGTCAAACAGAAGCCCGGACAAGGTCTCGAGTGGATCGGCAGCATCAAC CCTTACAACGACTATACCAAATACAACGAGAAGTTTAAGGGAAAGGCTACT TTAACCTCCGACAAAAGCTCCATCACAGCCTACATGGAGTTCAGCTCTTTA ACATCCGAGGACAGCGCTCTGTACTATTGCGCCCGGTGGGGCGACGGCAAT TACTGGGGACGGGGCACAACACTGACCGTGAGCAGC (Linker) GGAGGCGGAGGCTCCGGCGGAGGCGGATCTGGCGGTGGCGGCTCC (αCD28 light chain variable region) GACATCGAGATGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGTCCGCCTCTTTAGGCGAG CGGGTCACAATGACTTGTACAGCCTCCTCCAGCGTCTCCTCCTCCTACTTC CATTGGTACCAACAGAAACCCGGAAGCTCCCCTAAACTGTGCATCTACAGC ACCAGCAATCTCGCCAGCGGCGTGCCCCCTAGGTTTTCCGGAAGCGGAAGC ACCAGCTACTCTTTAACCATCTCCTCCATGGAGGCTGAGGATGCCGCCACC TACTTTTGTCACCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCCACCTTCGGAGGCGGCACCAAA CTGGAGACAAAGAGG Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide (αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv) (SEQ ID NO: 3) (Signal peptide) MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYS (αCD3 light chain variable region) QIVLTQSPAIMSASPGEKVTMTCSASSSVSYMNWYQQKSGTSPKRWIYDTS KLASGVPAHFRGSGSGTSYSLTISGMEAEDAATYYCQQWSSNPFTFGSGTK LEINR (Linker) GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (αCD3 heavy chain variable region) QVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTRYTMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGYI NPSRGYTNYNQKFKDKATLTTDKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAVYYCARYYDD HYCLDYWGQGTTLTVSS (Human tissue factor 219) SGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFY TTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTP YLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIY TLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTD SPVECMGQEKGEFRE (αCD28 light chain variable region) VQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTSYVIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIGSIN PYNDYTKYNEKFKGKATLTSDKSSITAYMEFSSLTSEDSALYYCARWGDGN YWGRGTTLTVSS (Linker) GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (αCD28 heavy chain variable region) DIEMTQSPAIMSASLGERVTMTCTASSSVSSSYFHWYQQKPGSSPKLCIYS TSNLASGVPPRFSGSGSTSYSLTISSMEAEDAATYFCHQYHRSPTFGGGTK LETKR

A second exemplary single-chain chimeric polypeptide including a first target-binding domain that is an anti-CD28 scFv, a soluble human tissue factor domain, and a second target-binding domain that is an anti-CD3 scFv was generated (αCD28scFv/TF/αCD3scFv) (FIG. 2). The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of this single-chain chimeric polypeptide are shown below.

Nucleic Acid Encoding Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide (αCD28scFv/TF/αCD3scFv) (SEQ ID NO: 8) (Signal peptide) ATGAAATGGGTCACCTTCATCTCTTTACTGTTTTTATTTAGCAGCGCCTAC AGC (αCD28 light chain variable region) GTGCAGCTGCAGCAGTCCGGACCCGAACTGGTCAAGCCCGGTGCCTCCGTG AAAATGTCTTGTAAGGCTTCTGGCTACACCTTTACCTCCTACGTCATCCAA TGGGTGAAGCAGAAGCCCGGTCAAGGTCTCGAGTGGATCGGCAGCATCAAT CCCTACAACGATTACACCAAGTATAACGAAAAGTTTAAGGGCAAGGCCACT CTGACAAGCGACAAGAGCTCCATTACCGCCTACATGGAGTTTTCCTCTTTA ACTTCTGAGGACTCCGCTTTATACTATTGCGCTCGTTGGGGCGATGGCAAT TATTGGGGCCGGGGAACTACTTTAACAGTGAGCTCC (Linker) GGCGGCGGCGGAAGCGGAGGTGGAGGATCTGGCGGTGGAGGCAGC (αCD28 heavy chain variable region) GACATCGAGATGACACAGTCCCCCGCTATCATGAGCGCCTCTTTAGGAGAA CGTGTGACCATGACTTGTACAGCTTCCTCCAGCGTGAGCAGCTCCTATTTC CACTGGTACCAGCAGAAACCCGGCTCCTCCCCTAAACTGTGTATCTACTCC ACAAGCAATTTAGCTAGCGGCGTGCCTCCTCGTTTTAGCGGCTCCGGCAGC ACCTCTTACTCTTTAACCATTAGCTCTATGGAGGCCGAAGATGCCGCCACA TACTTTTGCCATCAGTACCACCGGTCCCCTACCTTTGGCGGAGGCACAAAG CTGGAGACCAAGCGG (Human tissue factor 219 form) AGCGGCACCACCAACACAGTGGCCGCCTACAATCTGACTTGGAAATCCACC AACTTCAAGACCATCCTCGAGTGGGAGCCCAAGCCCGTTAATCAAGTTTAT ACCGTGCAGATTTCCACCAAGAGCGGCGACTGGAAATCCAAGTGCTTCTAT ACCACAGACACCGAGTGCGATCTCACCGACGAGATCGTCAAAGACGTGAAG CAGACATATTTAGCTAGGGTGTTCTCCTACCCCGCTGGAAACGTGGAGAGC ACCGGATCCGCTGGAGAGCCTTTATACGAGAACTCCCCCGAATTCACCCCC TATCTGGAAACCAATTTAGGCCAGCCCACCATCCAGAGCTTCGAACAAGTT GGCACAAAGGTGAACGTCACCGTCGAAGATGAGAGGACTTTAGTGCGGAGG AACAATACATTTTTATCCTTACGTGACGTCTTCGGCAAGGATTTAATCTAC ACACTGTATTACTGGAAGTCTAGCTCCTCCGGCAAGAAGACCGCCAAGACC AATACCAACGAATTTTTAATTGACGTGGACAAGGGCGAGAACTACTGCTTC TCCGTGCAAGCTGTGATCCCCTCCCGGACAGTGAACCGGAAGTCCACCGAC TCCCCCGTGGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAGAAGGGAGAGTTTCGTGAG (αCD3 light chain variable region) CAGATCGTGCTGACCCAGTCCCCCGCTATTATGAGCGCTAGCCCCGGTGAA AAGGTGACTATGACATGCAGCGCCAGCTCTTCCGTGAGCTACATGAACTGG TATCAGCAGAAGTCCGGCACCAGCCCTAAAAGGTGGATCTACGACACCAGC AAGCTGGCCAGCGGCGTCCCCGCTCACTTTCGGGGCTCCGGCTCCGGAACA AGCTACTCTCTGACCATCAGCGGCATGGAAGCCGAGGATGCCGCTACCTAT TACTGTCAGCAGTGGAGCTCCAACCCCTTCACCTTTGGATCCGGCACCAAG CTCGAGATTAATCGT (Linker) GGAGGCGGAGGTAGCGGAGGAGGCGGATCCGGCGGTGGAGGTAGC (αCD3 heavy chain variable region) CAAGTTCAGCTCCAGCAAAGCGGCGCCGAACTCGCTCGGCCCGGCGCTTCC GTGAAGATGTCTTGTAAGGCCTCCGGCTATACCTTCACCCGGTACACAATG CACTGGGTCAAGCAACGGCCCGGTCAAGGTTTAGAGTGGATTGGCTATATC AACCCCTCCCGGGGCTATACCAACTACAACCAGAAGTTCAAGGACAAAGCC ACCCTCACCACCGACAAGTCCAGCAGCACCGCTTACATGCAGCTGAGCTCT TTAACATCCGAGGATTCCGCCGTGTACTACTGCGCTCGGTACTACGACGAT CATTACTGCCTCGATTACTGGGGCCAAGGTACCACCTTAACAGTCTCCTCC Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide (αCD28scFv/TF/αCD3scFv) (SEQ ID NO: 7) (Signal peptide) MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYS (αCD28 light chain variable region) VQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTSYVIQWVKQKPGQGLEWIGSIN PYNDYTKYNEKFKGKATLTSDKSSITAYMEFSSLTSEDSALYYCARWGDGN YWGRGTTLTVSS (Linker) GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (αCD28 heavy chain variable region) DIEMTQSPAIMSASLGERVTMTCTASSSVSSSYFHWYQQKPGSSPKLCIYS TSNLASGVPPRFSGSGSTSYSLTISSMEAEDAATYFCHQYHRSPTFGGGTK LETKR (Human tissue factor 219) SGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFY TTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTP YLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIY TLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTD SPVECMGQEKGEFRE (αCD3 light chain variable region) QIVLTQSPAIMSASPGEKVTMTCSASSSVSYMNWYQQKSGTSPKRWIYDTS KLASGVPAHFRGSGSGTSYSLTISGMEAEDAATYYCQQWSSNPFTFGSGTK LEINR (Linker) GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (αCD3 heavy chain variable region) QVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKMSCKASGYTFTRYTMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGYI NPSRGYTNYNQKFKDKATLTTDKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSEDSAVYYCARYYDD HYCLDYWGQGTTLTVSS

The nucleic acid encoding αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv was cloned into a modified retrovirus expression vectors as described previously (Hughes et al., Hum Gene Ther 16:457-72, 2005). The expression vector encoding αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv was transfected into CHO-K1 cells. Expression of the expression vector in CHO-K1 cells allowed for secretion of the soluble αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide (referred to as 3t28), which can be purified by anti-TF antibody affinity and other chromatography methods.

An anti-tissue factor antibody affinity column was used to purify the αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide. The anti-tissue factor antibody affinity column was connected to a GE Healthcare AKTA Avant system. A flow rate of 4 mL/min was used for all steps except the elution step, which was 2 mL/min.

Cell culture harvest including αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide was adjusted to pH 7.4 with 1M Tris base and loaded onto the anti-TF antibody affinity column (described above) which was equilibrated with 5 column volumes of PBS. After sample loading, the column was washed with 5 column volumes PBS, followed by elution with 6 column volumes 0.1 M acetic acid, pH 2.9. An A280 elution peak was collected and then neutralized to pH 7.5-8.0 by adding 1 M Tris base. The neutralized sample was then buffer exchanged into PBS using Amicon centrifugal filters with a 30 kDa molecular weight cutoff. The data in FIG. 2 show that the anti-tissue factor antibody affinity column can bind the αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide, which contains a human soluble tissue factor domain. The buffer-exchanged protein sample was stored at 2-8° C. for further biochemical analysis and biological activity testing.

After each elution, the anti-tissue factor antibody affinity column was stripped using 6 column volumes of 0.1 M glycine, pH 2.5. The column was then neutralized using 10 column volumes of PBS, 0.05% NaN₃, and stored at 2-8° C.

Analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC) was performed on the αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide using a Superdex 200 Increase 10/300 GL gel filtration column (from GE Healthcare) connected to an AKTA Avant system (from GE Healthcare). The column was equilibrated with 2 column volumes of PBS. A flow rate of 0.8 mL/min was used. Two hundred μL of αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide (1 mg/mL) was injected onto the column using a capillary loop. After injection of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide, 1.25 column volumes of PBS were flowed into the column. The SEC chromatograph is shown in FIG. 3. The data show that there are 3 protein peaks, likely representing a monomer and dimer or other different forms of the αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

To determine the purity and protein molecular weight of the αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide, the purified αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv protein sample from anti-tissue factor antibody affinity column was analyzed by standard sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (4-12% NuPage Bis-Tris gel) electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) method under reduced conditions. The gel was stained with InstantBlue for about 30 minutes and destained overnight with purified water. FIG. 4 shows the SDS gel of the αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide purified using an anti-tissue factor antibody affinity column. The results show that the purified αCD3 scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide has the expected molecular weight (72 kDa) in reduced SDS gel.

Example 2. Functional Characterization of αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide

ELISA-based methods confirmed the formation of the αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide. The αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide was detected using ELISA with one anti-TF monoclonal antibody for capture and a different anti-TF monoclonal antibody for detection (FIG. 5). A purified tissue factor protein with a similar concentration was used as a control.

A further in vitro experiment was performed to determine whether the αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide is capable of activating human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Fresh human leukocytes were obtained from the blood bank and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated using density gradient Histopaque (Sigma). The cells were counted and resuspended in 0.2×10⁶/mL in a 96-well flat bottom plate in 0.2 mL of complete media (RPMI 1640 (Gibco) supplemented with 2 mM L-glutamine (Thermo Life Technologies), penicillin (Thermo Life Technologies), streptomycin (Thermo Life Technologies), and 10% FBS (Hyclone)). The cells were stimulated with αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide from 0.01 nM to 1000 nM for 3 days at 37° C., 5% CO₂. After 72 hours, the cells were harvested and surface stained for CD4-488, CD8-PerCP Cy5.5, CD25-BV421, CD69-APCFire750, CD62L-PE Cy7, and CD44-PE (Biolegend) for 30 minutes. After surface staining, the cells were washed (1500 RPM for 5 minutes at room temperature) in FACS buffer (1×PBS (Hyclone) with 0.5% BSA (EMD Millipore) and 0.001% sodium azide (Sigma)). After two washes, the cells were resuspended in 300 μL of FACS buffer and analyzed by Flow Cytometry (Celesta-BD Bioscience). The data in FIGS. 6 and 7 show that the αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide is able to stimulate both CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T-cells.

A further experiment was performed, in which PBMCs isolated from blood using Histopaque (Sigma) were counted and resuspended in 0.2×10⁶/mL in a 96-well flat bottom plate in 0.2 mL of complete media (RPMI 1640 (Gibco) supplemented with 2 mM L-glutamine (Thermo Life Technologies), penicillin (Thermo Life Technologies), streptomycin (Thermo Life Technologies), and 10% FBS (Hyclone)). The cells were then stimulated with the αCD3 scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide from 0.01 nM to 1000 nM for 3 days at 37° C., 5% CO₂. After 72 hours, the cells were harvested and surface stained for CD4-488, CD8-PerCP Cy5.5, CD25-BV421, CD69-APCFire750, CD62L-PE Cy7, and CD44-PE (Biolegend) for 30 minutes. After surface staining, the cells were washed (1500 RPM for 5 minutes at room temperature) in FACS buffer (1×PBS (Hyclone) with 0.5% BSA (EMD Millipore) and 0.001% sodium azide (Sigma)). After two washes, the cells were resuspended in 300 μL of FACS buffer and analyzed by Flow Cytometry (Celesta-BD Bioscience). The data again show that the αCD3scFv/TF/αCD28scFv single-chain chimeric polypeptide was able to stimulate activation of CD4⁺ T cells (FIG. 8).

Example 3. Production and Characterization of the Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide IL-2/TF/IL-2

An exemplary single-chain chimeric polypeptide including a first target-binding domain that binds to an IL-2 receptor, a soluble human tissue factor domain, and a second target-binding domain that binds to an IL-2 receptor was generated (IL-2/TF/IL-2) (FIG. 9). The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of this single-chain chimeric polypeptide are shown below.

Nucleic Acid Encoding Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide (IL-2/TF/IL-2) (SEQ ID NO: 111) (Signal peptide) ATGAAGTGGGTGACCTTCATCAGCCTGCTGTTCCTGTTCTCCAGCGCCTAC TCC (First IL-2 fragment) GCCCCCACCTCCTCCTCCACCAAGAAGACCCAGCTGCAGCTGGAGCATTTA CTGCTGGATTTACAGATGATTTTAAACGGCATCAACAACTACAAGAACCCC AAGCTGACTCGTATGCTGACCTTCAAGTTCTACATGCCCAAGAAGGCCACC GAGCTGAAGCATTTACAGTGTTTAGAGGAGGAGCTGAAGCCCCTCGAGGAG GTGCTGAATTTAGCCCAGTCCAAGAATTTCCATTTAAGGCCCCGGGATTTA ATCAGCAACATCAACGTGATCGTTTTAGAGCTGAAGGGCTCCGAGACCACC TTCATGTGCGAGTACGCCGACGAGACCGCCACCATCGTGGAGTTTTTAAAT CGTTGGATCACCTTCTGCCAGTCCATCATCTCCACTTTAACC (Human tissue factor 219 form) AGCGGCACAACCAACACAGTCGCTGCCTATAACCTCACTTGGAAGAGCACC AACTTCAAAACCATCCTCGAATGGGAACCCAAACCCGTTAACCAAGTTTAC ACCGTGCAGATCAGCACCAAGTCCGGCGACTGGAAGTCCAAATGTTTCTAT ACCACCGACACCGAGTGCGATCTCACCGATGAGATCGTGAAAGATGTGAAA CAGACCTACCTCGCCCGGGTGTTTAGCTACCCCGCCGGCAATGTGGAGAGC ACTGGTTCCGCTGGCGAGCCTTTATACGAGAACAGCCCCGAATTTACCCCT TACCTCGAGACCAATTTAGGACAGCCCACCATCCAAAGCTTTGAGCAAGTT GGCACAAAGGTGAATGTGACAGTGGAGGACGAGCGGACTTTAGTGCGGCGG AACAACACCTTTCTCAGCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGATTTAATCTAC ACACTGTATTACTGGAAGTCCTCTTCCTCCGGCAAGAAGACAGCTAAAACC AACACAAACGAGTTTTTAATCGACGTGGATAAAGGCGAAAACTACTGTTTC AGCGTGCAAGCTGTGATCCCCTCCCGGACCGTGAATAGGAAAAGCACCGAT AGCCCCGTTGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGTTCCGGGAG (Second IL-2 fragment) GCACCTACTTCAAGTTCTACAAAGAAAACACAGCTACAACTGGAGCATTTA CTGCTGGATTTACAGATGATTTTGAATGGAATTAATAATTACAAGAATCCC AAACTCACCAGGATGCTCACATTTAAGTTTTACATGCCCAAGAAGGCCACA GAACTGAAACATCTTCAGTGTCTAGAAGAAGAACTCAAACCTCTGGAGGAA GTGCTAAATTTAGCTCAAAGCAAAAACTTTCACTTAAGACCCAGGGACTTA ATCAGCAATATCAACGTAATAGTTCTGGAACTAAAGGGATCTGAAACAACA TTCATGTGTGAATATGCTGATGAGACAGCAACCATTGTAGAATTTCTGAAC AGATGGATTACCTTTTGTCAAAGCATCATCTCAACACTAACT Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide (IL-2/ TF/IL-2) (SEQ ID NO: 110) (Signal peptide) MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYS (Human IL-2) APTSSSTKKTQLQLEHLLLDLQMILNGINNYKNPKLTRMLTFKFYMPKKAT ELKHLQCLEEELKPLEEVLNLAQSKNFHLRPRDLISNINVIVLELKGSETT FMCEYADETATIVEFLNRWITFCQSIISTLT (Human Tissue Factor 219) SGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFY TTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTP YLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIY TLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTD SPVECMGQEKGEFRE (Human IL-2) APTSSSTKKTQLQLEHLLLDLQMILNGINNYKNPKLTRMLTFKFYMPKKAT ELKHLQCLEEELKPLEEVLNLAQSKNFHLRPRDLISNINVIVLELKGSETT FMCEYADETATIVEFLNRWITFCQSIISTLT

The nucleic acid encoding IL-2/TF/IL-2 was cloned into a modified retrovirus expression vector as described previously (Hughes et al., Hum Gene Ther 16:457-72, 2005). The expression vector encoding IL-2/TF/IL-2 was transfected into CHO-K1 cells. Expression of the expression vector in CHO-K1 cells allowed for secretion of the soluble IL-2/TF/IL-2 single-chain chimeric polypeptide (referred to as 2t2), which can be purified by anti-TF antibody affinity and other chromatography methods.

IL-2 and IL-2/TF/IL-2 Promoted IL-2R/3 and Common γ Chain Containing 32D/3 Cell Proliferation in a Similar Manner

To evaluate the IL-2 activity of IL-2/TF/IL-2, IL-2/TF/IL-2 was compared with recombinant IL-2 for promoting proliferation of 32Dβ cells that express IL-2Rβ and common γ chain. IL-2 dependent 32Dβ cells were washed 5 times with IMDM-10% FBS and seeded to the wells at 2×10⁴ cells/well. Serial dilutions of IL-2/TF/IL-2 or IL-2 were added to the cells (FIG. 10). Cells were incubated in a CO₂ incubator at 37° C. for 3 days. Cell proliferation was detected by adding 10 μl of WST1 to each well on day 3 and incubating for an additional 3 hours in a CO₂ incubator at 37° C. The amount of formazan dye produced was analyzed by measuring the absorbance at 450 nm. As shown in FIG. 10, IL-2/TF/IL-2 and IL-2 activated 32Dβ cells in a similar manner. The EC₅₀ of IL-2/TF/IL-2 and IL-2 was 158.1 pM and 140 pM, respectively.

IL-2/TF/IL-2 Showed Improved Ability to Promote IL-2Rαβγ Containing CTLL-2 Cell Proliferation as Compared to IL-2

To evaluate the IL-2 activity of IL-2/TF/IL-2, IL-2/TF/IL-2 was compared with recombinant IL-2 for promoting proliferation of CTLL-2 cells that express IL-2Rα, IL-2Rβ and common γ chain. IL-2 dependent CTLL-2 cells were washed 5 times with IMDM-10% FBS and seeded to the wells at 2×10⁴ cells/well. Serial dilutions of IL-2/TF/IL-2 or IL-2 were added to the cells (FIG. 11). Cells were incubated in a CO₂ incubator at 37° C. for 3 days. Cell proliferation was detected by adding 10 μl of WST1 to each well in the day 3 and incubating for an additional 3 hours in a CO₂ incubator at 37° C. The amount of formazan dye produced was analyzed by measuring the absorbance at 450 nm. As shown in FIG. 3, IL-2/TF/IL-2 promoted CTLL-2 cell proliferation 4-5-fold stronger than IL-2. The EC₅₀ of IL-2/TF/IL-2 was 123.2 pM and IL-2 was 548.2 pM.

IL-2/TF/IL-2 Suppressed the Increase of the High Fat-Induced Hyperglycemia in ApoE^(−/−) Mice

Six-week-old female ApoE^(−/−) mice (Jackson Lab) were fed with standard chow diet or high diet fat containing 21% fat, 0.15% cholesterol, 34.1% sucrose, 19.5% casein, and 15% starch (TD88137, Harlan Laboratories) and maintained in the standard conditions. At week 7, mice fed with high fat diet were randomly assigned into the control group and treatment group. Mice then received either IL-2/TF/IL-2 (treatment group) or PBS (chow diet group and control group) per subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 3 mg/kg. Three days post dosing, the mice were fasted overnight, and blood samples were collected through retro-orbital venous plexus puncture. Overnight fasting glucose levels were measured using a OneTouch Glucometer. As shown in FIG. 12, the results showed that IL-2/TF/IL-2 injection effectively suppresses the increase of glucose levels in ApoE^(−/−) mice.

IL-2/TF/IL-2 Significantly Upregulate the Ratio of CD4⁺CD2.5⁺FoxP3⁺ T Regulatory (Treg) Cells in Blood Lymphocytes

Six-week-old female ApoE^(−/−) mice (Jackson Lab) were fed with standard chow diet or high diet fat containing 21% fat, 0.15% cholesterol, 34.1% sucrose, 19.5% casein, and 15% starch (TD88137, Harlan Laboratories) and maintained in the standard conditions. At week 7, mice fed with the high fat diet were randomly assigned into control group and treatment group. Mice then received either IL-2/TF/IL-2 (treatment group) or PBS (chow diet group and control group) per subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 3 mg/kg. Three days after the dosing, overnight fasting blood samples were collected through retro-orbital venous plexus puncture and incubated with ACK lysing buffer (Thermo Fisher Scientific) at 37° C. for 5 minutes. Samples were then resuspended in FACS buffer (1×PBS (Hyclone) with 0.5% BSA (EMD Millipore) and 0.001% sodium azide (Sigma)) and surface stained with FITC-anti-CD4 and APC-anti-CD25 antibodies (BioLegend) for 30 minutes. Surface-stained samples were further fixed and premetallized with Fix/Perm buffer (BioLegend) and intracellular stained with PE-anti-Foxp3 antibody (BioLegend). After staining, cells were washed twice with FACs buffer followed by centrifugation at 1500 RPM for 5 minutes at room temperature. The cells were analyzed by flow cytometry (Celesta-BD Bioscience). As shown in FIG. 13, IL-2/TF/IL-2 treatment significantly increased Treg populations in blood lymphocytes (3.5%±0.32) compared to the untreated groups (0.4%±0.16 for chow diet group and 0.46%±0.09 for high fat diet group).

Purification Elution Chromatograph of IL-2/TF/IL-2 from Anti-TF Antibody Affinity Column

IL-2/TF/IL-2 harvested from cell culture was loaded onto the anti-TF antibody affinity column equilibrated with 5 column volumes of PBS. After sample loading, the column was washed with 5 column volumes of PBS, followed by elution with 6 column volumes of 0.1M acetic acid, pH 2.9. A280 elution peak was collected and then neutralized to pH 7.5-8.0 with 1M Tris base. The neutralized sample was then buffer exchanged into PBS using Amicon centrifugal filters with a 30 kDa molecular weight cutoff. As shown in FIG. 14, the anti-TF antibody affinity column bound to IL-2/TF/IL-2 which contains TF as a fusion domain. The buffer-exchanged protein sample was stored at 2-8° C. for further biochemical analyses and biological activity tests. After each elution, the anti-TF antibody affinity column was stripped using 6 column volumes of 0.1M glycine, pH 2.5. The column was then neutralized using 5 column volumes of PBS, and 7 column volumes of 20% ethanol for storage. The anti-TF antibody affinity column was connected to a GE Healthcare AKTA Avant system. The flow rate was 4 mL/min for all steps except for the elution step, which was 2 mL/min.

Analytical Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) Analysis of IL-2/TF/IL-2

To analyze IL-2/TF/IL-2 using analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC), a Superdex 200 Increase 10/300 GL gel filtration column (from GE Healthcare) was connected to an AKTA Avant system (from GE Healthcare). The column was equilibrated with 2 column volumes of PBS. The flow rate was 0.7 mL/min. A sample containing IL-2/TF/IL-2 in PBS was injected into the Superdex 200 column using a capillary loop, and analyzed by SEC. The SEC chromatograph of the sample is shown in FIG. 15. The SEC results indicated two protein peaks for IL-2/TF/IL-2.

Reduced SDS-PAGE of IL-2/TF/IL-2

To determine the purity and molecular weight of the protein, IL-2/TF/IL-2 protein sample purified with anti-TF antibody affinity column was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (4-12% NuPage Bis-Tris gel) electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) method under reduced condition. After electrophoresis, the gel was stained with InstantBlue for about 30 min, followed by destaining overnight in purified water.

To verify that the IL-2/TF/IL-2 protein undergoes glycosylation after translation in CHO cells, a deglycosylation experiment was conducted using the Protein Deglycosylation Mix II kit from New England Biolabs according to the manufacturer's instructions. FIGS. 16A and 16B show the reduced SDS-PAGE analysis of the sample in non-deglycosylated (lane 1 in red outline) and deglycosylated (lane 2 in yellow outline) state. The results show that the IL-2/TF/IL-2 protein is glycosylated when expressed in CHO cells. After deglycosylation, the purified sample ran with expected molecular weights (56 kDa) in reduced SDS gel. Lane M was loaded with 10 μL of SeeBlue Plus2 Prestained Standard.

In Vivo Characterization of IL-2/TF/IL-2

IL-2/TF/IL-2 was subcutaneously injected into C57BL/6 mice at various doses to determine the immunostimulatory activity of IL-2/TF/IL-2 in vivo. Mice were subcutaneously treated with control solution (PBS) or IL-2/TF/IL-2 at 0.1, 0.4, 2 and 10 mg/kg. The treated mice were euthanized day 3 post treatment. The mouse spleens were collected and weighed day 3 post treatment. Single splenocyte suspensions were prepared, and the prepared splenocytes were stained for CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells and NK cells (with fluorochrome-conjugated anti-CD4, -CD8, and -NK1.1 antibodies), and analyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that IL-2/TF/IL-2 was effective at expanding splenocytes based on spleen weight (FIG. 17A) especially at 0.1-10 mg/kg. The percentage of CD8⁺ T cells were higher compared to control-treated mice (FIG. 17B) at 2 and 10 mg/kg. The percentage of NK cells were higher compared to control-treated mice (FIG. 17B) at all doses tested.

It has been known that IL-2 upregulates CD25 expression by immunocytes. We therefore accessed CD25 expression of CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells and NK cells in the IL-2/TF/IL-2 treated mice. C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously treated with IL-2/TF/IL-2 as described in the paragraph above. The splenocytes were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated anti-CD4, -CD8, CD25 and NK1.1 monoclonal antibodies. The CD25 expression (MFI) of splenocyte subsets was analyzed by flow cytometry. As shown in FIG. 18, at the doses and time point (day 3) tested, IL-2/TF/IL-2 significantly upregulated CD25 expression by CD4⁺ T cells but not CD8+ T cells or NK cells.

The pharmacokinetics of IL-2/TF/IL-2 in C57BL/6 mice was also investigated. IL-2/TF/IL-2 was subcutaneously injected into C57BL/6 mice at 1 mg/kg. The mouse blood was drawn from tail vein at various time points as shown in FIG. 19 and the serum was prepared. IL-2/TF/IL-2 concentrations were determined with ELISA (Capture: anti-tissue factor antibody; Detection: biotinylated anti-human IL-2 antibody followed by SA-HRP and ABTS substrate). The half-life of IL-2/TF/IL-2 was 1.83 hours calculated with PK Solutions 2.0 (Summit Research Services).

IL-2/TF/IL-2 Attenuated the Formation of High Fat-Induced Atherosclerotic Plaques in ApoE^(−/−) Mice

Six-week-old female ApoE^(−/−) mice (The Jackson Laboratory) were fed with standard chow diet or high diet fat (21% fat, 0.15% cholesterol, 34.1% sucrose, 19.5% casein, and 15% starch) (TD88137, Harlan Laboratories) and maintained in the standard conditions. At week 7, mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) were randomly assigned into control group and treatment group. Mice were then administrated either IL-2/TF/IL-2 (treatment group) or PBS (chow diet group and control group) subcutaneously at a dosage of 3 mg/kg weekly for 4 weeks. At week 12, all mice were euthanized by isoflurane. Aortas were collected, opened longitudinally and stained with Sudan IV solution (0.5%) using en face method. The percentage of plaque area (red color as shown in FIG. 20A) relative to total aorta area was then quantified with Image J software. FIG. 20A shows a representative view of atherosclerotic plaques from each group. FIG. 20B shows the results of quantitative analysis of atherosclerotic plaques of each group. The percentage of plaque areas in control group (HF Diet) was much higher than the treatment group (HFD+IL-2/TF/IL-2), being 10.28% vs 4.68%.

IL-2/TF/IL-2 Suppresses the Progression of Type 2 Diabetes

Male BKS.Cg-Dock7^(m)+/+ Lepr^(db)/J (db/db (Jackson Lab)) mice were fed with standard chow diet and received drinking water ad libitum. At the age of six weeks, mice were randomly assigned into control group and treatment group. The treatment group received IL-2/TF/IL-2 by subcutaneous injection at 3 mg/kg bi-weekly, while control group received vehicle (PBS) only. Overnight fasting glucose levels were measure weekly using a OneTouch Glucometer. The results showed that IL-2/TF/IL-2 effectively suppressed the increase of glucose levels in BKS.Cg-Dock7^(m)+/+ Lepr^(db)/J mice.

IL-2/TF/IL-2 Significantly Upregulates the Ratio of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ T Regulatory Cells in Blood Lymphocytes after the First Injection

Male BKS.Cg-Dock7^(m)+/+ Lepr^(db)/J (db/db) (The Jackson Laboratory) mice were fed with standard chow diet and received drinking water ad libitum. At the age of six weeks, mice were randomly assigned into control group and treatment group. The treatment group received IL-2/TF/IL-2 by subcutaneous injection at 3 mg/kg bi-weekly, while the control group received vehicle (PBS) only. Four days after the first drug injection, overnight fasting blood samples were collected and incubated with ACK lysing buffer (Thermo Fisher Scientific) at 37° C. for 5 minutes. Samples were then resuspended in FACS buffer (1×PBS (Hyclone) with 0.5% BSA (EMD Millipore) and 0.001% sodium azide (Sigma)) and surface stained with FITC-anti-CD4 and APC-anti-CD25 antibodies (BioLegend) for 30 minutes. Surface-stained samples were further fixed and premetallized with Fix/Perm buffer (BioLegend) and intracellular stained with PE-anti-Foxp3 antibody (BioLegend). After staining, cells were washed twice with FACs buffer and were analyzed by flow cytometry (Celesta-BD Bioscience). The percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ Tregs in blood lymphocytes were measured. As shown in FIG. 22, the results showed that IL-2/TF/IL-2 significantly upregulated the ratio of Tregs in blood lymphocytes. * p<0.05

Example 4. Production and Characterization of the Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide IL-15/TF/IL-15

A second exemplary single-chain chimeric polypeptide including a first target-binding domain that binds to an IL-15 receptor, a soluble human tissue factor domain, and a second target-binding domain that binds to an IL-15 receptor was generated (IL-15/TF/IL-15 or IL-15/TF/IL-15) (FIG. 23). The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of this single-chain chimeric polypeptide are shown below.

Nucleic Acid Encoding Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide (IL-15/TF/IL-15) (SEQ ID NO: 117) (Signal peptide) ATGAAGTGGGTGACCTTCATCAGCCTGCTGTTCCTGTTCTCCAGCGCCTAC TCC (First IL-15 fragment) AACTGGGTGAACGTGATCAGCGATTTAAAGAAGATCGAGGATTTAATCCAG AGCATGCACATCGACGCCACTCTGTACACTGAGAGCGACGTGCACCCTAGC TGCAAGGTGACTGCCATGAAGTGCTTTTTACTGGAGCTGCAAGTTATCTCT TTAGAGAGCGGCGATGCCAGCATCCACGACACTGTGGAGAATTTAATCATT TTAGCCAACAACTCTTTAAGCAGCAACGGCAACGTGACAGAGAGCGGCTGC AAGGAGTGCGAGGAGCTGGAGGAGAAGAACATCAAGGAGTTTTTACAGAGC TTCGTGCACATCGTGCAGATGTTCATCAACACTAGC (Human tissue factor 219 form) AGCGGCACAACCAACACAGTCGCTGCCTATAACCTCACTTGGAAGAGCACC AACTTCAAAACCATCCTCGAATGGGAACCCAAACCCGTTAACCAAGTTTAC ACCGTGCAGATCAGCACCAAGTCCGGCGACTGGAAGTCCAAATGTTTCTAT ACCACCGACACCGAGTGCGATCTCACCGATGAGATCGTGAAAGATGTGAAA CAGACCTACCTCGCCCGGGTGTTTAGCTACCCCGCCGGCAATGTGGAGAGC ACTGGTTCCGCTGGCGAGCCTTTATACGAGAACAGCCCCGAATTTACCCCT TACCTCGAGACCAATTTAGGACAGCCCACCATCCAAAGCTTTGAGCAAGTT GGCACAAAGGTGAATGTGACAGTGGAGGACGAGCGGACTTTAGTGCGGCGG AACAACACCTTTCTCAGCCTCCGGGATGTGTTCGGCAAAGATTTAATCTAC ACACTGTATTACTGGAAGTCCTCTTCCTCCGGCAAGAAGACAGCTAAAACC AACACAAACGAGTTTTTAATCGACGTGGATAAAGGCGAAAACTACTGTTTC AGCGTGCAAGCTGTGATCCCCTCCCGGACCGTGAATAGGAAAAGCACCGAT AGCCCCGTTGAGTGCATGGGCCAAGAAAAGGGCGAGTTCCGGGAG (Second IL-15 fragment) AACTGGGTGAACGTCATCAGCGATTTAAAGAAGATCGAAGATTTAATTCAG TCCATGCATATCGACGCCACTTTATACACAGAATCCGACGTGCACCCCTCT TGTAAGGTGACCGCCATGAAATGTTTTTTACTGGAGCTGCAAGTTATCTCT TTAGAGAGCGGAGACGCTAGCATCCACGACACCGTGGAGAATTTAATCATT TTAGCCAATAACTCTTTATCCAGCAACGGCAACGTGACAGAGTCCGGCTGC AAGGAGTGCGAAGAGCTGGAGGAGAAGAACATCAAGGAGTTTCTGCAATCC TTTGTGCACATTGTCCAGATGTTCATCAATACCTCC Exemplary Single-Chain Chimeric Polypeptide (IL-15/ TF/IL-15) (SEQ ID NO: 116) (Signal peptide) MKWVTFISLLFLFSSAYS (Human IL-15) NWVNVISDLKKIEDLIQSMHIDATLYTESDVHPSCKVTAMKCFLLELQVIS LESGDASIHDTVENLIILANNSLSSNGNVTESGCKECEELEEKNIKEFLQS FVHIVQMFINTS (Human Tissue Factor 219) SGTTNTVAAYNLTWKSTNFKTILEWEPKPVNQVYTVQISTKSGDWKSKCFY TTDTECDLTDEIVKDVKQTYLARVFSYPAGNVESTGSAGEPLYENSPEFTP YLETNLGQPTIQSFEQVGTKVNVTVEDERTLVRRNNTFLSLRDVFGKDLIY TLYYWKSSSSGKKTAKTNTNEFLIDVDKGENYCFSVQAVIPSRTVNRKSTD SPVECMGQEKGEFRE (Human IL-15) NWVNVISDLKKIEDLIQSMHIDATLYTESDVHPSCKVTAMKCFLLELQVIS LESGDASIHDTVENLIILANNSLSSNGNVTESGCKECEELEEKNIKEFLQS FVHIVQMFINTS

The nucleic acid encoding IL-15/TF/IL-15 was cloned into a modified retrovirus expression vector as described previously (Hughes et al., Hum Gene Ther 16:457-72, 2005). The expression vector encoding IL-15/TF/IL-15 was transfected into CHO-K1 cells. Expression of the expression vector in CHO-K1 cells allowed for secretion of the soluble IL-15/TF/IL-15 single-chain chimeric polypeptide (referred to as 15t15), which can be purified by anti-TF antibody affinity and other chromatography methods.

IL-15/TF/IL-15 Promotes IL-2Rβ and Common γ Chain Containing 32D/3 Cell Proliferation

IL-15 activity of IL-15/TF/IL-15 was compared with recombinant IL-15 in IL2Rβ and common γ chain expressed 32Dβ cells. IL-15 dependent 32Dβ cells were washed five times with IMDM-10% FBS and seeded to the wells at 2×10⁴ cells/well. Serial dilutions of IL-15/TF/IL-15 or IL-15 were added to the cells (FIG. 24). Cells were incubated in a CO₂ incubator at 37° C. for 3 days. Cell proliferation was detected by adding 10 μl of WST1 to each well in the day 3 and incubating for an additional 3 hours in a CO₂ incubator at 37° C. The amount of formazan dye produced was analyzed by measuring the absorbance at 450 nm. As shown in FIG. 24, IL-15/TF/IL-15 promoted 32Dβ cell proliferation less efficiently as compared to IL-15. The EC₅₀ of IL-15/TF/IL-15 and IL-15 was 161.4 pM and 1.6 pM. respectively.

Purification Elution Chromatograph of IL-15/TF/IL-15 from Anti-TF Antibody Affinity Column

IL-15/TF/IL-15 harvested from cell culture was loaded onto the anti-TF antibody affinity column equilibrated with 5 column volumes of PBS. After sample loading, the column was washed with 5 column volumes of PBS, followed by elution with 6 column volumes of 0.1M acetic acid, pH 2.9. A280 elution peak was collected and then neutralized to pH 7.5-8.0 with 1M Tris base. The neutralized sample was then buffer exchanged into PBS using Amicon centrifugal filters with a 30 kDa molecular weight cutoff. As shown in FIG. 25, the anti-TF antibody affinity column bound to IL-15/TF/IL-15 which contains TF as a fusion domain. The buffer-exchanged protein sample was stored at 2-8° C. for further biochemical analyses and biological activity tests. After each elution, the anti-TF antibody affinity column was stripped using 6 column volumes of 0.1M glycine, pH 2.5. The column was then neutralized using 5 column volumes of PBS, and 7 column volumes of 20% ethanol for storage. The anti-TF antibody affinity column was connected to a GE Healthcare AKTA Avant system. The flow rate was 4 mL/min for all steps except for the elution step, which was 2 mL/min.

Reduced SDS-PAGE of IL-15/TF/IL-15

To determine the purity and molecular weight of the protein, IL-15/TF/IL-15 (15t15) protein sample purified with anti-TF antibody affinity column was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (4-12% NuPage Bis-Tris gel) electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) method under reduced condition. After electrophoresis, the gel was stained with InstantBlue for about 30 min, followed by destaining overnight in purified water.

To verify that the IL-15/TF/IL-15 protein undergoes glycosylation after translation in CHO cells, a deglycosylation experiment was conducted using the Protein Deglycosylation Mix II kit from New England Biolabs and the manufacturer's instructions. FIGS. 26A and 26B show the reduced SDS-PAGE analysis of the sample in non-deglycosylated (lane 1 in red outline) and deglycosylated (lane 2 in yellow outline) state. The results showed that the IL-15/TF/IL-15 protein is glycosylated when expressed in CHO cells. After deglycosylation, the purified sample ran with expected molecular weights (50 kDa) in reduced SDS gel. Lane M was loaded with 10 μL of SeeBlue Plus2 Prestained Standard.

Example 5: Stimulation of NK Cells In Vivo by IL-2/TF/IL-2 (2t2)

A set of experiments was performed to determine the effect of the 2t2 construct on immune stimulation in C57BL/6 mice. In these experiments, C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously treated with control solution (PBS) or 2t2 at 0.1, 0.4, 2, and 10 mg/kg. Treated mice were euthanized 3 days post-treatment. Spleen weight was measured and single splenocyte suspensions were prepared. Splenocytes suspensions were stained with conjugated anti-CD4, anti-CD8, and anti-NK1.1 (NK) antibodies. The percentage of CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and NK cells, and CD25 expression on lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. FIG. 27A shows that 2t2 was effective at expanding splenocytes based on spleen weight especially at a dose level of 0.1-10 mg/kg. Following treatment, the percentage of CD8⁺ T cells were higher in 2t2-treated mice compared to control-treated mice at 2 and 10 mg/kg (FIG. 27B). The percentage of NK cells were also higher in 2t2-treated mice compared to control-treated mice at all doses of 2t2 tested (FIG. 27B). Additionally, 2t2 significantly upregulated CD25 expression by CD4⁺ T cells, but not CD8⁺ T cells and NK cells following treatment at 0.4 to 10 mg/kg (FIG. 27C).

A set of experiments was performed to determine the effect of the 2t2 construct on immune stimulation in ApoE^(−/−) mice fed with a Western diet. In these experiments, 6-week old female B6.129P2-ApoE^(tm1Unc)/J mice (Jackson Laboratory) were fed with a Western diet containing 21% fat, 0.15% cholesterol, 34.1% sucrose, 19.5% casein, and 15% starch (TD88137, Envigo Laboratories). After 8-weeks of the Western diet, the mice were injected subcutaneously with 2t2 at 3 mg/kg. Three days post treatment, mice were fasted for 16 hours and then blood samples were collected through retro-orbital venous plexus puncture. The blood was mixed with 10 μL 0.5 M EDTA, and 20 μL blood was taken for lymphocyte subsets analysis. The red blood cells were lysed with ACK (0.15 M NH₄Cl, 1.0 mM KHCO₃, 0.1 mM Na₂EDTA, pH 7.4) and the lymphocytes were stained with anti-mouse CD8a and anti-mouse NK1.1 antibodies for 30 minutes at 4° C. in FACS staining buffer (1% BSA in PBS). The cells were washed once and analyzed with a BD FACS Celesta. For Treg staining, ACK treated blood lymphocytes were stained with anti-mouse CD4 and anti-mouse CD25 antibodies for 30 minutes at 4° C. in FACS staining buffer. The cells were washed once and resuspended in fixation/permeabilization working solution and incubated at room temperature for 60 minutes. The cells were washed once and resuspended in permeabilization buffer. The samples were centrifuged at 300-400×g for 5 minutes at room temperature and the supernatant was then discarded. The cell pellet was resuspended in residual volume and the volume adjusted to about 100 μL with 1× permeabilization buffer. Anti-Foxp3 antibody was added to the cells, and the cells were incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature. Permeabilization buffer (200 μL) was added to the cells, and the cells were centrifuged at 300-400×g for 5 minutes at room temperature. The cells were resuspended in flow cytometry staining buffer and analyzed on a flow cytometer. FIGS. 28B-28C show that treatment with 2t2 increased the percentage of NK cells and CD8⁺ T cells in ApoE^(−/−) mice fed with Western diet. FIG. 28A shows that treatment with 2t2 also increased the percentage of Treg cells.

Example 6: Induction of Proliferation of Immune Cells In Vivo

A set of experiments was performed to determine the effect of the 2t2 construct on immune cell stimulation in C57BL/6 mice. In these experiments, C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously treated with control solution (PBS) or 2t2 at 0.1, 0.4, 2, and 10 mg/kg. Treated mice were euthanized 3 days post-treatment. Spleen weight was measured and single splenocyte suspensions were prepared. The splenocyte suspensions were stained with conjugated anti-CD4, anti-CD8, and anti-NK1.1 (NK) antibodies. The percentage of CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and NK cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. FIG. 29A shows that 2t2 treatment was effective at expanding splenocytes based on spleen weight especially at 0.1-10 mg/kg. The percentage of CD8⁺ T cells was higher compared to control-treated mice at 2 and 10 mg/kg (FIG. 29B). The percentage of NK cells was higher compared to control-treated mice at all doses of 2t2 tested (FIG. 29B). These results demonstrate that 2t2 treatment was able to induce proliferation of CD8⁺ T cells and NK cells in C57BL/6 mice.

A set of experiments was performed to determine the effect of the 2t2 construct on immune stimulation in ApoE^(−/−) mice fed with a Western diet. In these experiments, 6-week old female B6.129P2-ApoE^(tm1Unc)/J mice (Jackson Laboratory) were fed with a Western diet containing 21% fat, 0.15% cholesterol, 34.1% sucrose, 19.5% casein, and 15% starch (TD88137, Envigo Laboratories). After 8-week of the Western diet, the mice were injected subcutaneously with 2t2 at 3 mg/kg. Three days post-treatment, the mice were fasted for 16 hours and then blood samples were collected through retro-orbital venous plexus puncture. The blood was mixed with 10 μL 0.5 M EDTA and 20 μL blood was taken for lymphocyte subsets analysis. The red blood cells were lysed with ACK (0.15 M NH₄Cl, 1.0 mM KHCO₃, 0.1 mM Na₂EDTA, pH 7.4) and the lymphocytes were stained with anti-mouse CD8a and anti-mouse NK1.1 antibodies for 30 minutes at 4° C. in FACS staining buffer (1% BSA in PBS). The cells were washed once and resuspended in Fixation Buffer (BioLegend Cat #420801) for 20 minutes at room temperature. The cells were centrifuged at 350×g for 5 minutes, the fixed cells were resuspended in Intracellular Staining Permeabilization Wash Buffer (BioLegend Cat #421002) and then centrifuged at 350×g for 5 minutes. The cells were then stained with anti-Ki67 antibody for 20 minutes at RT. The cells were washed twice with Intracellular Staining Permeabilization Wash Buffer and centrifuged at 350×g for 5 minutes. The cells were then resuspended in FACS staining buffer. Lymphocyte subsets were analyzed with a BD FACS Celesta. FIGS. 30A and 30B shows treatment of ApoE^(−/−) mice with 2t2 also induced proliferation (Ki67-positive staining) in NK and CD8⁺ T cells.

Example 7: Treatment of Diabetes

A set of experiments was performed to investigate amelioration of Western diet-induced hyperglycemia in ApoE^(−/−) mice by 2t2. In these experiments, 6-week old female B6.129P2-ApoE^(tm1Unc)/J mice (Jackson Laboratory) were fed with a Western diet containing 21% fat, 0.15% cholesterol, 34.1% sucrose, 19.5% casein, and 15% starch (TD88137, Envigo Laboratories). After 8-weeks of the Western diet, the mice were injected subcutaneously with 2t2 at 3 mg/kg. Three days post-treatment, the mice were fasted for 16 hours and then blood samples were collected through retro-orbital venous plexus puncture. Blood glucose was detected with a glucose meter (OneTouch UltraMini) and GenUltimated test strips using a drop of fresh blood. As shown in FIG. 31A, 2t2 treatment significantly reduced hyperglycemia induced by the Western diet (p<0.04). The plasma insulin and resistin levels were analyzed with Mouse Rat Metabolic Array by Eve Technologies. HOMA-IR was calculated using the following formula: homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance=Glucose (mg/dL)*Insulin (mU/mL)/405. As shown in FIG. 31B, 2t2 treatment reduced insulin resistance compared to the untreated group. 2t2 (p<0.02) reduced resistin levels significantly compared to the untreated group as shown in FIG. 31C, which may relate to the reduced insulin resistance induced by 2t2 (FIG. 31B).

Example 8. Upregulation of CD44 Memory T Cells

C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously treated with 2t2. The treated mice were euthanized and the single splenocyte suspensions were prepared 4 days (TGFRt15-TGFRs) or 3 days (2t2) following the treatment. The prepared splenocytes were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated anti-CD4, anti-CD8 and anti-CD44 antibodies and the percentages of CD44^(high) T cells in CD4⁺ T cells or CD8⁺ T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The results show that 2t2 upregulated expression of the memory marker CD44 on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells (FIG. 32). These findings indicate that 2t2 was able to induce mouse T cells to differentiate into memory T cells.

Example 9. Tissue Factor Coagulation Assays Following Treatment with Single-Chain or Multi-Chain Chimeric Polypeptides

A set of experiments was performed to assess blood coagulation following treatment with single-chain or multi-chain chimeric polypeptides. To initiate the blood coagulation cascade pathway, tissue factor (TF) binds to Factor VIIa (FVIIa) to form a TF/FVIIa complex. The TF/FVIIa complex then binds Factor X (FX) and converts FX to FXa.

An assay to measure blood coagulation involves measuring activation of Factor X (FX). Briefly, TF/VIIa activates blood coagulation Factor X (FX) to Factor Xa (FXa) in the presence of calcium and phospholipids. TF₂₄₃, which contains the transmembrane domain of TF, has much higher activity in activating FX to FXa than TF₂₁₉, which does not contain the transmembrane domain. TF/VIIa dependent activation of FX is determined by measuring FXa activity using an FXa-specific chromogenic substrate S-2765 (Diapharma, West Chester, Ohio). The color change of S-2765 can be monitored spectrophotometrically and is proportional to the proteolytic activity of FXa.

In these experiments, FX activation with a multi-chain chimeric polypeptide (18t15-12s, mouse (m)21t15, 21t15-TGFRs, and 21t15-7s) was compared with a positive control (Innovin) or TF₂₁₉. TF₂₁₉ (or TF₂₁₉-containing multi-chain chimeric polypeptides)/FVIIa complexes were mixed at an equal molar concentration (0.1 nM each) in a volume of 50 μL in round bottom wells of a 96-well ELISA plate, after which 10 μL of 180 nM FX was added. After 15 minutes of incubation at 37° C., during which time FX was converted to FXa, 8 μL of 0.5 M EDTA (which chelates calcium and thus terminates FX activation by TF/VIIa) was added to each well to stop FX activation. Next, 10 μL of 3.2 mM S-2765 substrate was added to the reaction mixture. Immediately, the plate absorbance was measured at 405 nm and was recorded as the absorbance at time 0. The plate was then incubated for 10-20 minutes at 37° C. The color change was monitored by reading absorbance at 405 nm following the incubation. Results of FX activation as measured by FXa activity using chromogenic substrate S-2765 are shown in FIG. 33. In this experiment, Innovin, which is a commercial prothrombin reagent containing lipidated recombinant human TF₂₄₃, was used as a positive control for FX activation. Innovin was reconstituted with purified water to about 10 nM of TF₂₄₃. Next, 0.1 nM TF/VIIa complex was made by mixing an equal volume of 0.2 nM of FVIIa with 0.2 nM of Innovin. Innovin demonstrated very potent FX activation activity, while TF₂₁₉ and TF₂₁₉-containing multi-chain chimeric polypeptides had very low FX activation activity, confirming that TF₂₁₉ is not active in a TF/FVIIa complex for activating natural substrate FX in vivo.

Example 10: Induction of Treg Cells by 2t2

The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of a healthy donor (Donor 163) were isolated from 5 mL of whole blood buffy coats by Ficoll Paque Plus (GE17144003). The PBMC were then lysed with ACK to remove red blood cells. Cells were washed with IMDM-10% FBS and counted. 1.8×10⁶ cells (100 μL/tube) were seeded to the flow tubes and incubated with 50 μL of descending 2t2 or IL2 (15000, 1500, 150, 15, 1.5, 0.15, or 0 pM) and 50 μL of pre-staining antibodies (anti-CD8-BV605 and anti-CD127-AF647). Cells were incubated for 30 min at 37° C. in water bath. 200 μL of pre-warmed BD Phosflow Fix Buffer I (Cat #557870, Becton Dickinson Biosciences) was added for 10 min at 37° C. in water bath to stop the stimulation. Cells (4.5×10⁵ cells/100 μL) were transferred to a V-shape 96-well plate and were spun down followed by permeabilization with 100 μL of −20° C. pre-cooled BD Phosflow Perm Buffer III (Cat # BD Biosciences) for 30 min on ice. The cells were then extensively washed ×2 with 200 μL of FACS buffer and stained with a panel of fluorescent antibodies (anti-CD25-PE, CD4-PerCP-Cy5.5, CD56-BV421, CD45RA-PE-Cy7 and pSTAT5a-AF488) to distinguish between different lymphocyte subpopulations and evaluate the pSTAT5a status. Cells were spun down and resuspended in 200 μL of FACS buffer for FACSCelesta analysis. As shown in Figure C1A, 6 pM of 2t2 was sufficient to induce the phosphorylation of Stat5a in CD4⁺CD25^(hi) T_(reg) cells while 43.11 pM of IL-2 was required to induce phosphorylation of Stat5a in the same population of lymphocytes. In contrast, 2t2 was less active (FIG. 34B) or equally active (FIG. 34C) as compared to IL2 in inducing phosphorylation of Stat5a in CD4⁺CD25⁻ T_(con) and CD8⁺ T_(con) cells. These results suggest that 2t2 is superior as compared to IL2 in activating T_(reg) in human PBMC, and that 2t2 demonstrates increased T_(reg) selectivity compared to IL-2 in human blood lymphocyte pStat5a responses.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

A. Exemplary Embodiments Embodiment A1

A single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprising:

(i) a first target-binding domain;

(ii) a soluble tissue factor domain; and

(iii) a second target-binding domain.

Embodiment A2

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A1, wherein the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain directly abut each other.

Embodiment A3

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A1, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A4

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A3, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain directly abut each other.

Embodiment A5

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A3, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain.

Embodiment A6

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A1, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain directly abut each other.

Embodiment A7

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A1, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain.

Embodiment A8

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A6 or A7, wherein the second target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain directly abut each other.

Embodiment A9

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A6 or A7, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the second target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A10

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A9, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to the same antigen.

Embodiment A11

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A10, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to the same epitope.

Embodiment A12

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A11, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain comprise the same amino acid sequence.

Embodiment A13

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A9, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to different antigens.

Embodiment A14

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A13, wherein one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is an antigen-binding domain.

Embodiment A15

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A14, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain are each an antigen-binding domain.

Embodiment A16

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A13, wherein antigen-binding domain comprises a scFv or a single domain antibody.

Embodiment A17

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A16, wherein one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind to a target selected from the group consisting of: CD16a, CD28, CD3, CD33, CD20, CD19, CD22, CD123, IL-1R, IL-1, VEGF, IL-6R, IL-4, IL-10, PDL-1, TIGIT, PD-1, TIM3, CTLA4, MICA, MICB, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CD26a, CD36, ULBP2, CD30, CD200, IGF-1R, MUC4AC, MUC5AC, Trop-2, CMET, EGFR, HER1, HER2, HER3, PSMA, CEA, B7H3, EPCAM, BCMA, P-cadherin, CEACAM5, a UL16-binding protein, HLA-DR, DLL4, TYR03, AXL, MER, CD122, CD155, PDGF-DD, a ligand of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a ligand of TGF-βRIII, a ligand of DNAM-1, a ligand of NKp46, a ligand of NKp44, a ligand of NKG2D, a ligand of NKp30, a ligand for a scMHCI, a ligand for a scMHCII, a ligand for a scTCR, a receptor for IL-1, a receptor for IL-2, a receptor for IL-3, a receptor for IL-7, a receptor for IL-8, a receptor for IL-10, a receptor for IL-12, a receptor for IL-15, a receptor for IL-17, a receptor for IL-18, a receptor for IL-21, a receptor for PDGF-DD, a receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), a receptor for stem cell-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), a receptor for MICA, a receptor for MICB, a receptor for a ULP16-binding protein, a receptor for CD155, a receptor for CD122, and a receptor for CD28.

Embodiment A18

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A16, wherein one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble interleukin, a soluble cytokine protein, or a soluble cell surface protein.

Embodiment A19

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A18, wherein the soluble interleukin, soluble cytokine protein, or soluble cell surface protein is selected from the group consisting of: IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21, PDGF-DD, SCF, FLT3L, MICA, MICB, and a ULP16-binding protein.

Embodiment A20

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A16, wherein one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble interleukin receptor, a soluble cytokine receptor, or a soluble cell surface receptor.

Embodiment A21

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A20, wherein the soluble interleukin receptor, soluble cytokine receptor, or soluble cell surface receptor is a soluble TGF-βreceptor II (TGF-βRII), a soluble TGF-βRIII, a soluble NKG2D, a soluble NK30, a soluble NKp44, a soluble NKp46, a soluble DNAM1, a scMHCI, a scMHCII, a scTCR, a soluble CD155, or a soluble CD28.

Embodiment A22

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A21, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain is a soluble human tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A23

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A22, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 9.

Embodiment A24

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A23, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 9.

Embodiment A25

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A24, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 9.

Embodiment A26

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A22-A25, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain does not comprise one or more of:

a lysine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 20 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an isoleucine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 22 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

a tryptophan at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 45 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an aspartic acid at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 58 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

a tyrosine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 94 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an arginine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 135 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; and

a phenylalanine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 140 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein.

Embodiment A27

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A26, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain does not comprise any of:

a lysine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 20 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an isoleucine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 22 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

a tryptophan at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 45 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an aspartic acid at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 58 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

a tyrosine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 94 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an arginine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 135 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; and

a phenylalanine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 140 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein.

Embodiment A28

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A27, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain is not capable of binding Factor VIIa.

Embodiment A29

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A28, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain does not convert inactive Factor X into Factor Xa.

Embodiment A30

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A29, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide does not blood stimulate coagulation in a mammal.

Embodiment A31

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A30, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises one or more additional target-binding domains at its N- and/or C-terminus.

Embodiment A32

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A31, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprises one or more additional target-binding domains at its N-terminus.

Embodiment A33

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A32, wherein one or more additional target-binding domains directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A34

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A33, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the at least one additional target-binding domains and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A35

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A31, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprises one or more additional target-binding domains at its C-terminus.

Embodiment A36

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A35, wherein one of the one or more additional target-binding domains directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A37

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A35, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the at least one additional target-binding domains and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A38

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A31, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprises one or more additional target binding domains at its N-terminus and the C-terminus.

Embodiment A39

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A38, wherein one of the one or more additional antigen binding domains at the N-terminus directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A40

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A38, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the one or more additional antigen-binding domains at the N-terminus and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A41

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A38, wherein one of the one or more additional antigen binding domains at the C-terminus directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A42

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A38, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the one or more additional antigen-binding domains at the C-terminus and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment A43

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A31-A42, wherein two or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains bind specifically to the same antigen.

Embodiment A44

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A43, wherein two or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains bind specifically to the same epitope.

Embodiment A45

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A44, wherein two or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains comprise the same amino acid sequence.

Embodiment A46

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A43, wherein the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains each bind specifically to the same antigen.

Embodiment A47

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A46, wherein the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains each bind specifically to the same epitope.

Embodiment A48

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A47, wherein the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains each comprise the same amino acid sequence.

Embodiment A49

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A31-A42, wherein the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains bind specifically to different antigens.

Embodiment A50

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A31-A49, wherein one or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more target-binding domains is an antigen-binding domain.

Embodiment A51

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A50, wherein the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains are each an antigen-binding domain.

Embodiment A52

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A51, wherein antigen-binding domain comprises a scFv or a single domain antibody.

Embodiment A53

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A31-A52, wherein one or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more target-binding domains bind specifically to a target selected from the group consisting of: CD16a, CD28, CD3, CD33, CD20, CD19, CD22, CD123, IL-1R, IL-1, VEGF, IL-6R, IL-4, IL-10, PDL-1, TIGIT, PD-1, TIM3, CTLA4, MICA, MICB, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CD26a, CD36, ULBP2, CD30, CD200, IGF-1R, MUC4AC, MUC5AC, Trop-2, CMET, EGFR, HER1, HER2, HER3, PSMA, CEA, B7H3, EPCAM, BCMA, P-cadherin, CEACAM5, a UL16-binding protein, HLA-DR, DLL4, TYR03, AXL, MER, CD122, CD155, PDGF-DD, a ligand of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a ligand of TGF-βRIII, a ligand of DNAM-1, a ligand of NKp46, a ligand of NKp44, a ligand of NKG2D, a ligand of NKp30, a ligand for a scMHCI, a ligand for a scMHCII, a ligand for a scTCR, a receptor for IL-1, a receptor for IL-2, a receptor for IL-3, a receptor for IL-7, a receptor for IL-8, a receptor for IL-10, a receptor for IL-12, a receptor for IL-15, a receptor for IL-17, a receptor for IL-18, a receptor for IL-21, a receptor for PDGF-DD, a receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), a receptor for stem cell-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), a receptor for MICA, a receptor for MICB, a receptor for a ULP16-binding protein, a receptor for CD155, a receptor for CD122, and a receptor for CD28.

Embodiment A54

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A31-A52, wherein one or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains is a soluble interleukin, a soluble cytokine protein, or a soluble cell surface protein.

Embodiment A55

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A54, wherein the soluble interleukin, soluble cytokine protein, or soluble cell surface protein is selected from the group consisting of: IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21, PDGF-DD, SCF, FLT3L, MICA, MICB, and a ULP16-binding protein.

Embodiment A56

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A31-A52, wherein one or more of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains is a soluble interleukin receptor, a soluble cytokine receptor, or a soluble cell surface receptor.

Embodiment A57

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A56, wherein the soluble receptor is a soluble TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a soluble TGF-βRIII, a soluble NKG2D, a soluble NK30, a soluble NKp44, a soluble NKp46, a soluble DNAM1, a scMHCI, a scMHCII, a scTCR, a soluble CD155, a soluble CD122, a soluble CD3, or a soluble CD28.

Embodiment A58

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A57, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a signal sequence at its N-terminal end.

Embodiment A59

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments A1-A58, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a peptide tag positioned at the N-terminal end or the C-terminal end of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

Embodiment A60

A composition comprising any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments A1-A59.

Embodiment A61

The composition of embodiment A60, wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

Embodiment A62

A kit comprising at least one dose of the composition of embodiment A60 or A61.

Embodiment A63

A method of stimulating an immune cell, the method comprising:

contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments A1-A59 or the composition of embodiment A60 or A61.

Embodiment A64

The method of embodiment A63, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vitro.

Embodiment A65

The method of embodiment A64, wherein the immune cell was previously obtained from a subject.

Embodiment A66

The method of embodiment A65, wherein the method further comprises obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step.

Embodiment A67

The method of embodiment A63, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vivo.

Embodiment A68

The method of any one of embodiments A63-A67, wherein the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of: an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a memory T cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8⁺ T cell, a CD4⁺ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, and a natural killer cell.

Embodiment A69

The method of any one of embodiments A63-A68, wherein the immune cell has previously been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment A70

The method of any one of embodiments A63-A68, wherein the method further comprises, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment A71

The method of any one of embodiments A63-A70, wherein the method further comprises administering the immune cell to a subject in need thereof.

Embodiment A72

The method of embodiment A71, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an age-related disease or condition.

Embodiment A73

The method of embodiment A72, wherein the age-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Embodiment A74

The method of embodiment A71, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer.

Embodiment A75

The method of embodiment A74, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Embodiment A76

The method of embodiment A71, wherein the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease.

Embodiment A77

The method of embodiment A76, wherein the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Embodiment A78

A method of inducing or increasing proliferation of an immune cell, the method comprising:

contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments A1-A59 or the composition of embodiment A60 or A61.

Embodiment A79

The method of embodiment A88, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vitro.

Embodiment A80

The method of embodiment A79, wherein the immune cell was previously obtained from a subject.

Embodiment A81

The method of embodiment A80, wherein the method further comprises obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step.

Embodiment A82

The method of embodiment A78, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vivo.

Embodiment A83

The method of any one of embodiments A78-A82, wherein the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of: an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a memory T cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8⁺ T cell, a CD4⁺ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, and a natural killer cell.

Embodiment A84

The method of any one of embodiments A78-A83, wherein the immune cell has previously been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment A85

The method of any one of embodiments A78-A83, wherein the method further comprises, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment A86

The method of any one of embodiments A78-A85, wherein the method further comprises administering the immune cell to a subject in need thereof.

Embodiment A87

The method of embodiment A86, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an age-related disease or condition.

Embodiment A88

The method of embodiment A87, wherein the age-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Embodiment A89

The method of embodiment A86, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer.

Embodiment A90

The method of embodiment A89, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Embodiment A91

The method of embodiment A86, wherein the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease.

Embodiment A92

The method of embodiment A86, wherein the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Embodiment A93

A method of inducing differentiation of an immune cell into a memory or memory-like immune cell, the method comprising:

contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments A1-A59 or the composition of embodiment A60 or A61.

Embodiment A94

The method of embodiment A93, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vitro.

Embodiment A95

The method of embodiment A94, wherein the immune cell was previously obtained from a subject.

Embodiment A96

The method of embodiment A95, wherein the method further comprises obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step.

Embodiment A97

The method of embodiment A93, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vivo.

Embodiment A98

The method of any one of embodiments A93-A97, wherein the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of: an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8+ T cell, a CD4+ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, and a natural killer cell.

Embodiment A99

The method of any one of embodiments A93-A98, wherein the immune cell has previously been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment A100

The method of any one of embodiments A93-A98, wherein the method further comprises, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment A101

The method of any one of embodiments A93-A100, wherein the method further comprises administering the immune cell to a subject in need thereof.

Embodiment A102

The method of embodiment A101, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an age-related disease or condition.

Embodiment A103

The method of embodiment A102, wherein the age-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Embodiment A104

The method of embodiment A101, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer.

Embodiment A105

The method of embodiment A104, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Embodiment A106

The method of embodiment A101, wherein the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease.

Embodiment A107

The method of embodiment A106, wherein the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Embodiment A108

A method of killing a cancer cell, an infected cell, or a senescent cell in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments A1-A59 or the composition of embodiment A60 or A61

Embodiment A109

The method of embodiment A108, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer.

Embodiment A110

The method of embodiment A109, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Embodiment A111

The method of embodiment A108, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an aging-related disease or condition.

Embodiment A112

The method of embodiment A111, wherein the aging-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Embodiment A113

A method of treating a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments A1-A59 or the composition of embodiment A60 or A61

Embodiment A114

The method of embodiment A113, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer.

Embodiment A115

The method of embodiment A114, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Embodiment A116

The method of embodiment A113, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an aging-related disease or condition.

Embodiment A117

The method of embodiment A116, wherein the aging-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Embodiment A118

The method of embodiment A113, wherein the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease.

Embodiment A119

The method of embodiment A118, wherein the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Embodiment A120

Nucleic acid encoding any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of any one of embodiments A1-A59.

Embodiment A121

A vector comprising the nucleic acid of embodiment A120.

Embodiment A122

The vector of embodiment A121, wherein the vector is an expression vector.

Embodiment A123

A cell comprising the nucleic acid of embodiment A120 or the vector of embodiment A121 or A122.

Embodiment A124

A method of producing a single-chain chimeric polypeptide, the method comprising:

culturing the cell of embodiment A123 in a culture medium under conditions sufficient to result in the production of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide; and

recovering the single-chain chimeric polypeptide from the cell and/or the culture medium.

Embodiment A125

A single-chain chimeric polypeptide produced by the method of embodiment A124.

Embodiment A126

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A26, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96.

Embodiment A127

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A126, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96.

Embodiment A128

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A127, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96.

Embodiment A129

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A128, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96.

Embodiment A130

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A26, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97.

Embodiment A131

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A130, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97.

Embodiment A132

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A131, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97.

Embodiment A133

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment A132, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97.

B. Exemplary Embodiments Embodiment B1

A single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprising:

-   -   (i) a first target-binding domain;     -   (ii) a soluble tissue factor domain; and     -   (iii) a second target-binding domain,

wherein:

the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain each specifically bind to an IL-2 receptor; or

the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain each specifically bind to an IL-15 receptor.

Embodiment B2

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B1, wherein the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain directly abut each other.

Embodiment B3

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B1, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B4

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B1-B3, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain directly abut each other.

Embodiment B5

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B1-B3, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain.

Embodiment B6

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B1, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain directly abut each other.

Embodiment B7

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B1, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain.

Embodiment B8

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B6 or B7, wherein the second target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain directly abut each other.

Embodiment B9

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B6 or B7, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the second target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B10

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B1-B9, wherein both the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble interleukin protein.

Embodiment B11

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B10, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble IL-2 protein.

Embodiment B12

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B11, wherein the soluble IL-2 protein is a soluble human IL-2 protein.

Embodiment B13

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B12, wherein the soluble human IL-2 protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 28.

Embodiment B14

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B10, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble IL-15 protein.

Embodiment B15

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B14, wherein the soluble IL-15 protein is a soluble human IL-15 protein.

Embodiment B16

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B15, wherein the soluble human IL-15 protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 39.

Embodiment B17

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B1-B16, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain is a soluble human tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B18

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B17, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 9.

Embodiment B19

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B18, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 9.

Embodiment B20

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B19, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 9.

Embodiment B21

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B17-B20, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain does not comprise one or more of:

a lysine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 20 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an isoleucine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 22 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

a tryptophan at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 45 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an aspartic acid at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 58 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

a tyrosine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 94 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an arginine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 135 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; and

a phenylalanine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 140 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein.

Embodiment B22

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B21, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain does not comprise any of:

a lysine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 20 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an isoleucine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 22 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

a tryptophan at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 45 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an aspartic acid at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 58 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

a tyrosine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 94 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein;

an arginine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 135 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein; and

a phenylalanine at an amino acid position that corresponds to amino acid position 140 of mature wildtype human tissue factor protein.

Embodiment B23

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B1-B22, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain is not capable of binding Factor VIIa.

Embodiment B24

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B1-B23, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain does not convert inactive Factor X into Factor Xa.

Embodiment B25

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B1-B24, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide does not blood stimulate coagulation in a mammal.

Embodiment B26

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B1-B25, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises one or more additional target-binding domains at its N- and/or C-terminus.

Embodiment B27

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B26, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprises one or more additional target-binding domains at its N-terminus.

Embodiment B28

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B27, wherein one or more additional target-binding domains directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B29

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B28, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the at least one additional target-binding domains and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B30

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B26, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprises one or more additional target-binding domains at its C-terminus.

Embodiment B31

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B30, wherein one of the one or more additional target-binding domains directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B32

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B30, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the at least one additional target-binding domains and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B33

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B26, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprises one or more additional target binding domains at its N-terminus and the C-terminus.

Embodiment B34

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B33, wherein one of the one or more additional antigen binding domains at the N-terminus directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B35

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B33, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the one or more additional antigen-binding domains at the N-terminus and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B36

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B33, wherein one of the one or more additional antigen binding domains at the C-terminus directly abuts the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B37

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B33, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between one of the one or more additional antigen-binding domains at the C-terminus and the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, or the soluble tissue factor domain.

Embodiment B38

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B26-B37, wherein each of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains bind specifically to an IL-2 receptor or an IL-15 receptor.

Embodiment B39

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B38, wherein each of the first target-binding domain, the second target-binding domain, and the one or more additional target-binding domains comprise the same amino acid sequence.

Embodiment B40

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B26-B37, wherein the one or more additional target-binding domains is an antigen-binding domain.

Embodiment B41

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B40, wherein the antigen-binding domain comprises a scFv or a single domain antibody.

Embodiment B42

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B26-B37, B40, and B41, wherein the one or more additional target-binding domains bind specifically to a target selected from the group consisting of: CD16a, CD28, CD3, CD33, CD20, CD19, CD22, CD123, IL-1R, IL-1, VEGF, IL-6R, IL-4, IL-10, PDL-1, TIGIT, PD-1, TIM3, CTLA4, MICA, MICB, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CD26a, CD36, ULBP2, CD30, CD200, IGF-1R, MUC4AC, MUC5AC, Trop-2, CMET, EGFR, HER1, HER2, HER3, PSMA, CEA, B7H3, EPCAM, BCMA, P-cadherin, CEACAM5, a UL16-binding protein, HLA-DR, DLL4, TYRO3, AXL, MER, CD122, CD155, PDGF-DD, a ligand of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a ligand of TGF-βRIII, a ligand of DNAM-1, a ligand of NKp46, a ligand of NKp44, a ligand of NKG2D, a ligand of NKp30, a ligand for a scMHCI, a ligand for a scMHCII, a ligand for a scTCR, a receptor for IL-1, a receptor for IL-2, a receptor for IL-3, a receptor for IL-7, a receptor for IL-8, a receptor for IL-10, a receptor for IL-12, a receptor for IL-15, a receptor for IL-17, a receptor for IL-18, a receptor for IL-21, a receptor for PDGF-DD, a receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), a receptor for stem cell-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), a receptor for MICA, a receptor for MICB, a receptor for a ULP16-binding protein, a receptor for CD155, a receptor for CD122, and a receptor for CD28.

Embodiment B43

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B6-B37, B40, and B41, wherein the one or more additional target-binding domains is a soluble interleukin or cytokine protein.

Embodiment B44

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B43, wherein the soluble interleukin or cytokine protein is selected from the group consisting of: IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21, PDGF-DD, and SCF.

Embodiment B45

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B6-B37, B40, and B41, wherein the one or more additional target-binding domains is a soluble interleukin or cytokine receptor.

Embodiment B46

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B45, wherein the soluble receptor is a soluble TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII) and a soluble TGF-βRIII.

Embodiment B47

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B1-B46, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a signal sequence at its N-terminal end.

Embodiment B48

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of any one of embodiments B1-B47, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a peptide tag positioned at the N-terminal end or the C-terminal end of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide.

Embodiment B49

A composition comprising any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments B1-B48.

Embodiment B50

The composition of embodiment B49, wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

Embodiment B51

A kit comprising at least one dose of the composition of embodiment B49 or B50.

Embodiment B52

A method of stimulating an immune cell, the method comprising:

contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments B1-B48 or the composition of embodiment B49 or B50.

Embodiment B53

The method of embodiment B52, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vitro.

Embodiment B54

The method of embodiment B53, wherein the immune cell was previously obtained from a subject.

Embodiment B55

The method of embodiment B54, wherein the method further comprises obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step.

Embodiment B56

The method of embodiment B52, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vivo.

Embodiment B57

The method of any one of embodiments B52-B56, wherein the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of: an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a memory T cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8⁺ T cell, a CD4⁺ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, and a natural killer cell.

Embodiment B58

The method of any one of embodiments B52-B57, wherein the immune cell has previously been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment B59

The method of any one of embodiments B52-B57, wherein the method further comprises, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment B60

The method of any one of embodiments B52-B59, wherein the method further comprises administering the immune cell to a subject in need thereof.

Embodiment B61

The method of embodiment B60, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an age-related disease or condition.

Embodiment B62

The method of embodiment B61, wherein the age-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Embodiment B63

The method of embodiment B60, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer.

Embodiment B64

The method of embodiment B63, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Embodiment B65

The method of embodiment B60, wherein the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease.

Embodiment B66

The method of embodiment B65, wherein the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Embodiment B67

A method of inducing or increasing proliferation of an immune cell, the method comprising:

contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments B1-B48 or the composition of embodiment B49 or B50.

Embodiment B68

The method of embodiment B67, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vitro.

Embodiment B69

The method of embodiment B68, wherein the immune cell was previously obtained from a subject.

Embodiment B70

The method of embodiment B60, wherein the method further comprises obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step.

Embodiment B71

The method of embodiment B67, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vivo.

Embodiment B72

The method of any one of embodiments B67-B71, wherein the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of: an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a memory T cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8⁺ T cell, a CD4⁺ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, and a natural killer cell.

Embodiment B73

The method of any one of embodiments B67-B72, wherein the immune cell has previously been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment B74

The method of any one of embodiments B67-B72, wherein the method further comprises, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment B75

The method of any one of embodiments B67-B74, wherein the method further comprises administering the immune cell to a subject in need thereof.

Embodiment B76

The method of embodiment B75, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an age-related disease or condition.

Embodiment B77

The method of embodiment B76, wherein the age-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Embodiment B78

The method of embodiment B75, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer.

Embodiment B79

The method of embodiment B78, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Embodiment B80

The method of embodiment B75, wherein the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease.

Embodiment B81

The method of embodiment B75, wherein the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Embodiment B82

A method of inducing differentiation of an immune cell into a memory or memory-like immune cell, the method comprising:

contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments B1-B48 or the composition of embodiment B49 or B50.

Embodiment B83

The method of embodiment B82, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vitro.

Embodiment B84

The method of embodiment B83, wherein the immune cell was previously obtained from a subject.

Embodiment B85

The method of embodiment B84, wherein the method further comprises obtaining the immune cell from the subject prior to the contacting step.

Embodiment B86

The method of embodiment B82, wherein the immune cell is contacted in vivo.

Embodiment B87

The method of any one of embodiments B82-B86, wherein the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of: an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8⁺ T cell, a CD4⁺ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, and a natural killer cell.

Embodiment B88

The method of any one of embodiments B82-B87, wherein the immune cell has previously been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment B89

The method of any one of embodiments B82-B87, wherein the method further comprises, after the contacting step, introducing into the immune cell a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen-receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

Embodiment B90

The method of any one of embodiments B82-B89, wherein the method further comprises administering the immune cell to a subject in need thereof.

Embodiment B91

The method of embodiment B90, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an age-related disease or condition.

Embodiment B92

The method of embodiment B91, wherein the age-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Embodiment B93

The method of embodiment B90, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer.

Embodiment B94

The method of embodiment B93, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Embodiment B95

The method of embodiment B90, wherein the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease.

Embodiment B96

The method of embodiment B95, wherein the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Embodiment B97

A method of killing a cancer cell, an infected cell, or a senescent cell in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments B1-B48 or the composition of embodiment B49 or B50.

Embodiment B98

The method of embodiment B97, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer.

Embodiment B99

The method of embodiment B98, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Embodiment B100

The method of embodiment B97, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an aging-related disease or condition.

Embodiment B101

The method of embodiment B100, wherein the aging-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Embodiment B102

A method of treating a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of embodiments B1-B48 or the composition of embodiment B49 or B50.

Embodiment B103

The method of embodiment B102, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer.

Embodiment B104

The method of embodiment B103, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Embodiment B105

The method of embodiment B102, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having an aging-related disease or condition.

Embodiment B106

The method of embodiment B105, wherein the aging-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.

Embodiment B107

The method of embodiment B102, wherein the subject has been diagnosed or identified as having an infectious disease.

Embodiment B108

The method of embodiment B107, wherein the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.

Embodiment B109

A nucleic acid encoding any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of any one of embodiments B1-B48.

Embodiment B110

A vector comprising the nucleic acid of embodiment B109.

Embodiment B111

The vector of embodiment B110, wherein the vector is an expression vector.

Embodiment B112

A cell comprising the nucleic acid of embodiment B109 or the vector of embodiment B110 or B111.

Embodiment B113

A method of producing a single-chain chimeric polypeptide, the method comprising:

culturing the cell of embodiment B112 in a culture medium under conditions sufficient to result in the production of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide; and

recovering the single-chain chimeric polypeptide from the cell and/or the culture medium.

Embodiment B114

A single-chain chimeric polypeptide produced by the method of embodiment B113.

Embodiment B115

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B21, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96.

Embodiment B116

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B115, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96.

Embodiment B117

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B116, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96.

Embodiment B118

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B117, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 96.

Embodiment B119

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B21, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97.

Embodiment B120

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B119, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97.

Embodiment B121

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B120, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97.

Embodiment B122

The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of embodiment B121, wherein the soluble human tissue factor domain comprises a sequence that is 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 97. 

1. A single-chain chimeric polypeptide comprising: (i) a first target-binding domain; (ii) a soluble tissue factor domain; and (iii) a second target-binding domain.
 2. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain directly abut each other.
 3. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the first target-binding domain and the soluble tissue factor domain.
 4. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain directly abut each other.
 5. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the single-chain chimeric polypeptide further comprises a linker sequence between the soluble tissue factor domain and the second target-binding domain.
 6. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to the same antigen. 7.-8. (canceled)
 9. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind specifically to different antigens.
 10. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is an antigen-binding domain.
 11. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain bind to a target selected from the group consisting of: CD16a, CD28, CD3, CD33, CD20, CD19, CD22, CD123, IL-1R, IL-1, VEGF, IL-6R, IL-4, IL-10, PDL-1, TIGIT, PD-1, TIM3, CTLA4, MICA, MICB, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CD26a, CD36, ULBP2, CD30, CD200, IGF-1R, MUC4AC, MUC5AC, Trop-2, CMET, EGFR, HER1, HER2, HER3, PSMA, CEA, B7H3, EPCAM, BCMA, P-cadherin, CEACAM5, a UL16-binding protein, HLA-DR, DLL4, TYRO3, AXL, MER, CD122, CD155, PDGFDD, a ligand of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a ligand of TGF-βRIII, a ligand of DNAM1, a ligand of NKp46, a ligand of NKp44, a ligand of NKG2D, a ligand of NKp30, a ligand for a scMHCI, a ligand for a scMHCII, a ligand for a scTCR, a receptor for IL-1, a receptor for IL-2, a receptor for IL-3, a receptor for IL-7, a receptor for IL-8, a receptor for IL-10, a receptor for IL-12, a receptor for IL-15, a receptor for IL-17, a receptor for IL-18, a receptor for IL-21, a receptor for PDGF-DD, a receptor for stem cell factor (SCF), a receptor for stem cell-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), a receptor for MICA, a receptor for MICB, a receptor for a ULP16-binding protein, a receptor for CD155, a receptor for CD122, and a receptor for CD28.
 12. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble interleukin, a soluble cytokine protein, or a soluble cell surface protein.
 13. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 12, wherein the soluble interleukin, soluble cytokine protein, or soluble cell surface protein is selected from the group consisting of: IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-21, PDGF-D, SCF, FLT3L, MICA, MICB, and a ULP16-binding protein.
 14. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first target-binding domain and the second target-binding domain is a soluble interleukin receptor, a soluble cytokine receptor, or a soluble cell surface receptor.
 15. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 14, wherein the soluble interleukin receptor, the soluble cytokine receptor, or the soluble cell surface receptor is a soluble TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII), a soluble TGF-βRIII, a soluble NKG2D, a soluble NKp30, a soluble NKp44, a soluble NKp46, a soluble DNAM-1, a scMHCI, a scMHCII, a scTCR, a soluble CD155, or a soluble CD28.
 16. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain is a soluble human tissue factor domain. 17.-18. (canceled)
 19. A composition comprising any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of claim
 1. 20. (canceled)
 21. A kit comprising at least one dose of the composition of claim
 19. 22. A method of stimulating an immune cell, the method comprising: contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of claim
 1. 23. A method of inducing or increasing proliferation of an immune cell, the method comprising: contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of claim
 1. 24. A method of inducing differentiation of an immune cell into a memory or memory-like immune cell, the method comprising: contacting an immune cell with an effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of claim
 1. 25.-26. (canceled)
 27. The method of claim 22, wherein the immune cell is selected from the group consisting of: an immature thymocyte, a peripheral blood lymphocyte, a naïve T cell, a pluripotent Th cell precursor, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a Treg cell, a Th17 cell, a Th22 cell, a Th9 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th1 cell, a Th3 cell, γδ T cell, an αβ T cell, a tumor-infiltrating T cell, a CD8+ T cell, a CD4+ T cell, a natural killer T cell, a mast cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, and a natural killer cell.
 28. The method of claim 22, wherein the immune cell has previously been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor or a recombinant T-cell receptor.
 29. The method of claim 22, wherein the method further comprises administering the immune cell to a subject in need thereof.
 30. A method of killing a cancer cell, an infected cell, or a senescent cell in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of claim
 1. 31. A method of treating a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of claim
 1. 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the subject has been identified or diagnosed as having a cancer, an aging-related disease or condition, or an infectious disease.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of: solid tumor, hematological tumor, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, B-cell neoplasms, multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, retinoblastoma, stomach cancer, urothelial carcinoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, gastric and esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein the aging-related disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's disease, aneurysm, cystic fibrosis, fibrosis in pancreatitis, glaucoma, hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, intervertebral disc degeneration, macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adipose atrophy, lipodystrophy, atherosclerosis, cataracts, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, kidney transplant failure, liver fibrosis, loss of bone mass, myocardial infarction, sarcopenia, wound healing, alopecia, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, age-associated loss of lung tissue elasticity, macular degeneration, cachexia, glomerulosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, NAFLD, osteoporosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and renal dysfunction.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein the infectious disease is infection with human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, smallpox, herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis C virus, papillomavirus, and influenza virus.
 36. Nucleic acid encoding any of the single-chain chimeric polypeptides of claim
 1. 37. (canceled)
 38. A cell comprising the nucleic acid of claim
 36. 39. A method of producing a single-chain chimeric polypeptide, the method comprising: culturing the cell of claim 38 in a culture medium under conditions sufficient to result in the production of the single-chain chimeric polypeptide; and recovering the single-chain chimeric polypeptide from the cell and/or the culture medium.
 40. (canceled)
 41. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 16, wherein the human soluble tissue factor domain does not initiate blood coagulation.
 42. The single-chain chimeric polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the soluble tissue factor domain comprises or consists of a sequence from a wildtype soluble human tissue factor. 